GPMA teams submit entry for 2008

BMW, Honda, McLaren (Mercedes-Benz) and Toyota submitted their application for 2008 last week, with Renault following suit earlier today.

"The five teams united through the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association have submitted their entry forms for the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship," the GPMA said in a statement.

There had been fears that the FIA's decision to open a limited 'window of opportunity' from March 24th to March 31st, on the back of plans to freeze engine development from 2008, could act as a catalyst for the manufacturers to press ahead with their rebel plans.

FIA president Max Mosley warned the carmakers that only those teams that lodged applications before the March 31st deadline would be allowed to have an input into future rules.

In a letter he wrote to the teams earlier this month detailing the deadline, he said: "unless the FIA and the Competing Teams are persuaded that extenuating circumstances apply, even where such a late entry is accepted by the FIA prior to 30 June, late entering teams will not be invited to join in any discussions regarding the finalisation of the Sporting Regulations and entry will only be possible on the basis that the team accepts the Sporting Regulations as finally adopted and published prior to 30 June."

If the manufacturer-backed teams had been excluded from the talks, then it would almost certainly have forced them to go ahead with their breakaway plans - even though they are believed to be on the verge of a commercial settlement with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

And although the GPMA members' decision to lodge entries for 2008 does not mean that the breakaway plans are completely finished - because they are not bound to stay in F1 until that date - it does lessen the chances of the rebel series going ahead.

"The teams look forward to the FIA's acceptances, and to beginning discussions with the FIA in order to finalise the regulations for 2008," the GPMA statement added.

"The GPMA members are united and remain committed to improve the sport for the benefit of all stakeholders.

"Significant progress has been made in the negotiations between the GPMA and the commercial rights holder, and discussions are ongoing."

The FIA declined to comment on the entries, stating the full entry list will only be published on April 28th.

An FIA spokesman said: "It would be inappropriate for the FIA to comment on press speculation that all of the GPMA members have already submitted entries for the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship."

Sources have revealed that interest for the 2008 championship has exceeded expectations, with a number of independent teams opting to try and gain an entry to the championship.

It is understood that more than the maximum number of 12 teams have lodged entries, although the identities of the new teams has not been revealed. Recent speculation has linked David Richards, Eddie Jordan and Roger Penske with possible F1 plans.