Litespeed lodges F1 entry with Cosworth power ahead of deadline

Having expressed an interest in joining the Formula One grid under the new budget cap rules, British F3 outfit Litespeed GP has confirmed that it will lodge its entry for the 2010 F1 season with the FIA today [Friday].

The team has already announced that it will be working with the MGI company run by out-of-work F1 designer Mike Gascoyne as it seeks to secure an entry and will now look to secure its place on the grid in what would be only its third season of competition.

As well as confirming that its entry will be lodged with the FIA, team principal Nino Judge also revealed that a deposit has been placed with Cosworth to supply engines and said the Norfolk-based outfit was 'extremely serious' about its plans.

"I can confirm that we will be filing our application to the FIA today for entry to the 2010 F1 championship," Judge said. "This is an extremely exciting time in the history of F1 with the changes in technical and financial requirements.

"We have lodged our deposit with Cosworth and are extremely serious and excited about this venture. We wish all teams the very best whilst the decision process is taking place and look forward to the potential of being on the grid in 2010 and beyond."

Campos Racing, USF1 and Prodrive are amongst the other teams to have confirmed entries have – or will be – lodged ahead of the deadline.