FIA rejects all 13th team applications

The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), Formula One's governing body, said yesterday it has turned down all the entries from teams hoping to fill the vacant 13th constructor slot in the 2011 season.

The 13th slot arose following the collapse of the US F1 team before the start of the 2010 season. Among the teams applying included a joint-partnership between ex-world champion Jacques Villeneuve and ex-GP2 team Durango.

"Following the press release of 19 March 2010 calling for expressions of interest to participate in the 2011 and 2012 seasons of the FIA Formula One World Championship, a number of interested parties expressed their interest," an FIA statement read.

"It was considered that none of the candidates met the requirements to be granted an entry into the Championship. Consequently, the allocation of the 13th team will not be granted."

The FIA also yesterday released a 20-race calendar, the longest-ever in Formula One history. The new Indian race is set for October 30 and Brazil replaces Abu Dhabi as the final grand prix of the season on November 27.

The decisions came at Wednesday's meeting of the FIA World Council, the organization’s legislative and disciplinary body.