Stefanovic keeps pushing for F1 slot

In the wake of US F1's failure to compete, the FIA announced in the build-up to the season that the final slot on the grid would remain open for this year - with an entry selection process for the vacancy due to begin soon for 2011.

That stance dashed Stefan GP's hopes that it would get on the grid - having agreed a deal with Toyota to race its 2010 car.

However, despite the setback, Stefanovic is still pressing on with his F1 ambitions - and AUTOSPORT understands that he has agreed a deal to purchase US F1 so it can take over its entry.

Stefanovic hopes that once his AMCO company has completed its takeover, it will be granted US F1's entry for 2010 and then can begin racing.

However, it is understood that in correspondence between Stefanovich and the FIA this week the governing body's view on the matter is very different.

Although Stefanovic believes that in purchasing the US F1 assets he should get the team's original entry, it is understood that the FIA has written to the team to explain that the American team forfeited the entry when it failed to start the season.

Furthermore, the FIA is poised to begin disciplinary action against US F1 for its failure to make the grid - which could theoretically result in Stefanovic's company getting dragged into any penalties that are eventually handed down if he owns the American team.

A statement issued by the FIA after the most recent World Motor Sport Council meeting said: "With regard to the US F1 team's non-participation in the 2010 championship, the World Council mandated the FIA president, in full compliance with the new code of practice for disciplinary matters, to take forward the most appropriate action."