Team Lotus still hopeful on F1 plans
Team Lotus will remain in 'close contact' with the FIA over the next few days to hear if it will still get a chance to move into Formula 1 next year, despite being absent for the entry list issued on Friday
The FIA only granted slots to three new teams on Friday - Campos Grand Prix, Manor Grand Prix and Team US F1 - while it awaits the outcome of discussions between current teams and the FIA about the future.
The eight members of the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) have been told that they must drop the conditions attached to their entries by next Friday if they are to keep their slots on the grid.
Should any of the current teams decline that opportunity, then there will be a chance for other new teams to make the step up. The FIA remains in talks with three or four new outfits while the matter is sorted out over the next few days.
Team Lotus issued a statement on Friday confirming it was one of these extra teams, and said it remained determined to get into F1.
"The FIA have today announced their preliminary list of teams for the 2010 F1 Championship. Team Lotus is disappointed not to be on that provisional list," said the statement.
"However, we understand that in the event that any of the teams listed do not agree the terms imposed by the FIA, we are short-listed to fill any spots which become available.
"Therefore we remain in close contact with the FIA and will work with them to ensure that Team Lotus is selected in the event that any spaces become available in the next seven days.
"Our team remains committed to motor racing and does not intend to let this initial disappointment deter our Formula 1 ambitions."
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