The FIA has opened up a selection process to try to attract a new Formula One team to the grid for either 2016 or 2017.
The Haas F1 team is due to join the grid next year as the 11th team, but the FIA is open to a 12th as soon as next year if a suitable candidate car be found. The governing body has invited would-be candidates to submit a formal expression of interest by June 30, with full applications due by September 1 and a possible decision on a new team as early as September 30.
The FIA said it has opened up the selection process with "due regard for the sustainability and future success of the Formula One World Championship". It insists all applicants will undergo thorough due diligence and the criteria, which will be communicated in full to those who express their interest, will include:
a) The technical ability and resources of the team
b) The ability of the team to raise and maintain sufficient funding to allow participation in the championship at a competitive level
c) The team's experience and human resources
d) The FIA's assessment of the value that the candidate may bring to the championship as a whole
The governing body made clear, however, that it and F1's commercial rights holder - i.e. Bernie Ecclestone - may opt to select none of the applicants if they are not deemed suitable.
The last time new F1 teams made it to the grid was in 2010 with the addition of Hispania, Caterham and Virgin. Only Virgin now remains in the form of Manor, with the other two teams folding over the last five years.