The FIA has as widely expected confirmed that there will be no 13th team in 2011, after decreeing that none of the potential candidates met the requirements.
An FIA statement read as follows: “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.”
Adam Cooper F1 
Oh, well. I’m all for expanding both the grid and the calendar, but if the teams aren’t up to it, then they’re not up to it.
I was looking forward to Epislon Euskadi, too. They’ve got such a cool name.
Pfff.
I thought that JV’s project was very strong.
I’m surprised! I expect the “wide expectation” wasn’t wide enough to cover Totnes.
So what was the point then, Adam? This now states to the whole world that F1 is an exclusive sport that will slowly die a death. (Much like The Royal Family…)
Maybe there was another criteria about the team having to be American and the FIA are waiting for the Cypher group or Chad Hurley to get their act together.
Mind you, I still don’t understand why Toro Rosso hasn’t been snapped up yet. There could be an Italian American team, with the oily bits supplied by Ferrari, rebadged as Maserati. Then Ferrari could get Rossi to drive it, or at least say they will because I suspect the PR value of a ‘could have’ is worth more than watching a multiple world champion struggle in the midfield. Just ask Mercedes….
Is there still any chance Epislon Euskadi could still be given a reprieve and race in 2011 as the 13th team?
Joan Villadelprat has been quoted as saying he has still not ruled out acquiring the budget for 2011 season and contacting the FIA again?
It seems to me the FIA has now been too fussy in choosing a new team as it must be fair to say Epislon Euskadi could be just as capable an applicant as Toro Rosso given their experience and facilities.
Does Jean Todt even have the ambition to bring a new team into F1?