Team Lotus, Lola, and Epsilon remain optimistic

Team Lotus, Lola and Epsilon will remain in close contact with the FIA over the coming days. There is still a possibility of joining Formula 1 next year despite the fact that these teams were not selected yesterday.

The FIA has granted an unconditional spot to three new teams, Campos Grand Prix, Manor Grand Prix, and USF1, and is awaiting the outcome of discussions with the current teams regarding their future.

The eight members of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) must drop the conditions attached to their application by next Friday if they want to keep their place on the grid.

If one of the teams decided to withdraw, then there is a chance that all the others would do the same. The FIA is still in talks with three or four new teams.

Team Lotus issued a statement on Friday confirming its place on the waiting list.

« The FIA announced today its preliminary list of F1 teams for the 2010 Championship. Team Lotus is disappointed not to be on this provisional list. »

« However, in the event that one of the registered teams does not meet the conditions imposed by the FIA, we know that we are on the reserve list. »

« Consequently, we remain in close contact with the FIA and will work with them to ensure that the Lotus team is selected should a spot open up within seven days. »

« Our team remains committed to the world of automobile racing and has no intention of giving up in the face of this initial disappointment. »

The Lola team also claims that it will continue talks with the FIA about a possible entry into the 2010 World Championship.

The company based in Huntingdon was one of the 15 new F1 teams to have submitted an application to enter the sport next year. The team was considered one of the favorites, but Lola is absent from the official list as of Friday, June 12.

« The Lola Group acknowledges receipt of the FIA’s announcement regarding the 13 pre-selected teams for the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship. »

« Lola F1 Team is not present among these 13 teams, but continues to be in discussion with the FIA for a possible entry on Friday, June 19. »

Finally, Joan Villadelprat, head of Epsilon Euskadi, remains optimistic about the chances of his team being included in the final list of participants for the 2010 Formula 1 championship. To date, the team is not included.

The team will manufacture its own chassis in its factory if present in F1, and Villadelprat admitted that he is surprised by some of the names on the list.

However, the Spaniard is not ready to throw in the towel, as he believes the door is still open until the final list is revealed next Friday.

I am a little surprised because I thought we were competing against Aston Martin and Lola, companies that have pedigree, if you will.

« I am a bit surprised, but I am still optimistic because I received a letter from the FIA stating that all this is only provisional and that the final list will be unveiled on the 19th. »

« At least that leaves a door open. The truth is that we will do whatever is necessary to give them the information they need. »

They continue to work, verify, and collect data. We were told not to throw in the towel, and that we are in a good position. We are available to the FIA to provide them with any type of information, concluded Villadelprat.