The Weekly Grapevine

The 2008 Entry List

D(ecision)-Day for Formula One post-2008 is edging ever closer. Following a unilateral 31 March cut-off point for entries for the 2008 (and beyond) championship, the FIA had scheduled a meeting of all applicants on April 10, later cancelled. And, whilst the sport's governing body has yet to announce exactly who, what and which entities had submitted entries - striking a blow against those who fervently believed that 'new' F1 would, from its start, be governed transparently - strong rumours as to the attendance abound.

Twenty two parties - the exact reasons as to why not all deserve to be referred to as 'teams' will become clear as this column unfolds - are said to have submitted entries (for, mind, 12 paddock slots). They will then have until 1 November next year to lodge the requisite €300,000 entry fees. Rejects will be advised by the FIA in advance of being named (and, likely, shamed) by the media.