F1 2011: the FIA ​​invites candidates

Twelve teams took part in the first Grand Prix of the 2010 season. Formula 1. Combien seront là en 2011 ? La FIA cherche à répondre à cette question en lançant un nouvel appel en candidature après avoir fait de même en 2009. L?an passé, dix écuries disputaient le championnat et trois autres (Manor, Campos, USF1) devaient les rejoindre en 2010. La première est devenue Virgin Racing, la deuxième HRT et la dernière a jeté l?éponge. En outre, devant le retrait annoncé de BMW, Lotus avait récupéré une entrée, avant que Toyota ne décide de stopper son implication en F1, sans que sa place ne puisse profiter à Stefan GP, qui ambitionnait d?être la fameuse treizième équipe.

After a particular 2009 scenario, the FIA ​​therefore wishes to “recruit” a thirteenth team to adorn its grids with 26 cars. It is still necessary that the teams present this season do not give up along the way. The International Automobile Federation is therefore opening the application period for the 2011 Formula 1 season, hoping to be able to choose one or more solid structures to build an F1 that maintains an image of excellence.

Because, with the almost missed arrivals of Virgin Racing and HRT, the excellence of F1 has taken a hit. This is why the FIA, in addition to a deposit of 1000 euros, requires that the teams applying for 2011 have the plan to enter F1 for the long term. However, that was certainly the intention of USF1 a year ago? After April 15, 2010, the deadline for submitting applications, the Federation will communicate the method of selection of the teams, having to announce its final choice in July.

Let us hope that, this season, the FIA ​​shows itself to be irreproachable in its way of selecting teams, while the controversy grew in 2009 regarding this process. The FIA ​​had been suspected of having favored teams choosing to equip themselves with a Cosworth engine, a very curious process when it comes to choosing teams supposed to be the most reliable, technically and financially. It is on this point that the FIA ​​is emphasizing this year, wishing to avoid uncertainty regarding the technical, human and financial capacities of a team a few days before the start of the next season.

Logically, if the teams present in 2010 do not throw in the towel before the FIA ​​publishes its decision concerning the new entrants, a "holder" team should be designated to be the thirteenth competitor of the 2011 season, and even 2012 , since the minimum agreement covers a period of two years. The FIA ​​will then choose one or even several “reserve” team(s) in order to compensate for the possible departure of one of the thirteen “regular” teams.