Lotus will return to F1 in 2010

Lotus will return to F1 in 2010

Lotus are to return to Formula 1 next season for the first time since 1994.

The Malaysian-funded outfit have been awarded the final grid spot and join Campos GP, Manor and US F1 as one of four new teams for 2010.

The FIA has given current team BMW Sauber “14th place” for next season, meaning they are now first reserves.

However, motorsport’s governing body says it will “consult urgently” with the 10 existing teams to expand the grid from 13 to 14 teams for 2010.

“The FIA believes that a good case can be made for expanding the grid to 14 teams,” read an FIA statement released on Tuesday.

Lotus confirmed for 2010 as FIA pushes for 14 teams

Following an intensive selection and due diligence process, the FIA has awarded the 13th entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship to the new Lotus team.

The FIA also received an impressive application from the BMW Sauber team. As such, it has awarded BMW Sauber the ’14th place’ in the championship meaning that it will be entitled to fill any vacancy that arises on the 2010 grid.

In addition, the FIA believes that a good case can be made for expanding the grid to 14 teams. The FIA will be consulting urgently with the existing teams regarding the introduction of an appropriate rule change to expand the grid to 28 cars in time for the first Grand Prix in 2010.