Epsilon remains optimistic of F1 slot

The Spanish outfit was one of the 15 teams to have submitted an entry for next year, but the governing body on Friday listed Campos Grand Prix, Manor Grand Prix and Team US F1 along the current 10 squads.

Villadelprat, whose team would build its own chassis in its factory, admitted he was surprised by some of the names on the list.

However, the Spaniard said he is not ready to throw in the towel yet, as he reckons the door is still open until the final entry list is revealed next Friday.

"I'm a bit surprised because I thought we were fighting against Aston Martin, and Lola, and companies with a pedigree, if you will," Villadelprat told AUTOSPORT.

"I'm a little surprised, but I'm still optimistic because I have received a letter from the FIA saying that this is all provisional and that the final list will be on the 19th, and to keep on working and keep on sending the data that they will request, and that we are in a good position.

"That leaves at least a door open with what everything that's going on. The truth is that, in that sense, we will do everything necessary and work to give them all the information that they need, as they will continue auditing. Even the new teams which are in are being audited."

The Epsilon boss said the governing body had made it clear to him that the teams on today's list were not 100% certain to get entries for the championship.

"Exactly," he added. "At least what we are told is that nobody, at this point, is 100% certain. They are still working, auditing and gathering data and told us not to throw in the towel, and that we are in a good position. We are at the FIA's disposal to give them any kind of information.

"So on the one hand it's a bit of a cold shower, but on the other you know it's not all settled. Let's wait and see what happens with the rest of the teams, and with the big teams, which some haven't signed yet. We will see what happens with all that.

"I believe this is the first round, and next week there will be another one, and maybe there will be even more after that."