Grand Prix maestro Bernie Ecclestone has given strong indications that new teams will be accepted onto the Formula One grid.
Although no firm date for entry has been forthcoming, it is expected that if given approval by the FIA, new players could make the field by as early as next year.
It is generally accepted that the 12th team will be fielded by American NASCAR team owner Gene Haas with his pitch undergoing intense scrutiny as a squad which can survive the huge financial pressures of F1.
The other team which is reported to be preparing for a possible entry is headed by Colin Kolles, the former boss of Jordan/Midland/Spyker.
“They will be accepted,” Ecclestone said of the Haas entry.
“We have also accepted another team as well. Whether they will make it or not is another story.”