Q & A with Epsilon's Joan Villadelprat

The Spaniard, however, was disappointed to find his team was not on it.

But Villadelprat told AUTOSPORT he is not ready to throw in the towel just yet.

Q. What is your reaction to today's decision?

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

Q. So the FIA has told you that even the new teams on the list are not 100% certain?

JV: Exactly. 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.

If not, we will keep on working. I believe in our project. I think it's something unique and special and that suits Max Mosley's philosophy. We will keep on working and maybe we'll talk again in five or sixth months, who knows. I'm not throwing in the towel.

Everybody knows I'm very stubborn. I'm ready to give everything to achieve it. In the last two months a possibility opened up. We didn't have it before. If we have it now, we'll work on it, and if not, we will continue with our project, and if one day it opens again, we will be there.

Q. Are you surprised by any of the three new teams that made the list?

JV: I'm surprised by two of them. I don't want to name anyone, because I don't think it's worth it. But I'm surprised, because I was more worried about David Richards, with Prodrive, and Lola... I was more worried about them. But it's gone this way.

The FIA should perfectly know why they have chosen them. I don't have to judge that. They have their reasons and they are in charge. I can only keep on working and keep on giving them all the information that they need. And we are working on that.

Q. If the FOTA teams decide to go their own way, will you still be interested in entering F1?

JV: Then I don't know. I don't know what can happen, because our financial source is also scared with this topic. Obviously a situation like this puts everybody in an uncomfortable position. It (our entry) is not dependant on this, but it puts in doubt the position of all the people who make a living with this sport. Nobody wants to see a war or a split, and common sense has to prevail.

It's time they understand everybody needs everybody else. Whatever happens, even if we are not there, all I want is that they find a solution that makes everybody happy. What's clear is that, if we don't get the chance now, we might get it in the future.

What I want is to be in a championship where everybody is happy and where I can do my job the way I think I can do it.