Whilst Gene Haas’s project has been put back to 2016 due to his team underestimating the scale of the work involved in fielding two Formula 1 cars, it seems the FIA has decided to give another team a shot at next year instead.
Forza Rossa, a Romanian-backed project, has reportedly been given the go-ahead to join next year’s grid as the 12th team, whilst Haas will become team number 13 a year later.
The FIA chose to delay its decision to give Forza Rossa an entry in April, but after conducting more in-depth reviews into the project’s finances and capabilities, it’s believed to be further progressed than initially thought.
The outfit will be run by former-HRT team principal Colin Kolles and will use his facilities in Germany to manufacture the cars.
Meanwhile engine supply is most likely to come from Ferrari – and is believed to have already been secured – because the man behind the project, Ion Bazac, is Romania’s official Ferrari dealer, whilst his wife Camelia controls the Maserati franchise for the country.
Funding could still be an issue, but Bazac is believed to have several private investors behind him, whilst the Romanian government is also involved.
The FIA are expected to confirm the entry within the next few weeks.
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