The FIA has decided against adding a 13th team to the grid for the 2011 season, therefore leaving the grid at the current 12 teams.
Several applicants were interested in the position, including Epsilon Euskadi, Durango/Villeneuve, Stefan GP, ART GP and the Cypher Group. The latter two pulled out before the FIA made their decision citing financial difficulties.
An FIA statement on the matter reads: “Following the press release of 19 March 2010 calling for expressions of interest to participate in the 2011 and 2012 seasons of the FIA Formula One World Championship, a number of interested parties expressed their interest.
“It was considered that none of the candidates met the requirements to be granted an entry into the championship. Consequently, the allocation of the 13th team will not be granted.”
It’s thought none of the candidates met the financial criteria set out by the FIA following the failure of USF1 and the current difficulties being experienced by Hispania – a team which only just made it to Bahrain after a buyout.
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