FIA solicits bids for reserve F1 team

Published Mar. 23, 2010 8:25 p.m. ET

foxsports

An extra Formula One team will be selected as a standby for the next two world championships in case there is an unexpected vacancy on the grid at the start of the season.

The sport's ruling body FIA said Friday it "may also identify one or more possible reserve entrants to fill such vacancies" during a new selection process that is being launched.

Candidate teams are being asked to formally express their interest before April 15, with a final decision on the standby team being made in July.

FIA said in a statement that "the overall long-term interests of the championship will determine which candidates are selected."

The move follows the failure of US F1 to take up its scheduled place on the grid when the 2010 season started in Bahrain. FIA decided not to replace the American team, leaving two empty places on the grid.

There are currently 12 teams competing in F1.

Among the criteria to be used for choosing the standby will be the team's finances, FIA said.