Epsilon Euskadi backed by Spanish Automobile Federation

The Spanish Automobile Federation (SAF) have announced their support for Epsilon Euskadi's bid to enter the 2011 F1 season as the 13th team. "They have more than enough to be in Formula 1 on merit and we're going to push for it," Carlos Gracia, SAF President, said to fellow Spaniards at the 'Marca' newspaper.

"They have already demonstrated, both from a technical and professional side, that they could have made a car for Le Mans but unfortunately they were only unable to continue due to financial problems," added Gracia. "If they've been able to make that car, they are able to design a Formula 1 chassis and become a reputable team - I think there's many possibilities."

Although Gracia believes that now that Jean Todt is in charge of the FIA the governing body will make better decisions regarding the process to choose new F1 teams.

"When the 'old' FIA granted licenses to be in Formula 1, it was done with some haste and not by accurately assessing the infrastructure each team had. I think it's likely that that would be done differently now and I have high hopes that it will be."

The comment refers to how the FIA chose the USF1 team from the US for the 2010 13th slot , only for the team to falter and not even produce a single complete car by the season opener in March. Luckily the other three new teams made it to the opening race which Epsilon Euskadi should have also attended had the FIA made a wiser decision back in 2009.