Zoran Stefanovic, the boss of the Serbian Stefan GP team, has told Reuters that he expects the FIA to make a decision on their application for the 2010 grid by next Wednesday, with time running out before the start of the season.
The Serbian team has been pushing the FIA to include it on the 2010 entry list, either as a replacement for one of the struggling current teams, or as a 14th team, for some time, but with the 2010 season set to begin in Bahrain in less than three weeks, Stefanovic knows that time is now of the essence.
The USF1 team has already asked to skip the first four races of the 2010 season amid rumours that it will not be able to contest the season at all, and would seem the most likely team to make way for the team to be let onto the grid.
But Stefanovic, who was forced to cancel his team's first scheduled test run this week over an issue over sourcing a tyre supply, says that next Wednesday would be the latest that the FIA could leave any decision.
"Definitely, we are waiting for something to happen because the time is very short and the deadline for Bahrain is approaching," he explained to Reuters.
"If you are going to Bahrain you have to be packed by next Wednesday and we think we will be able to reach something by then."
He added, when asked if the team might be able to enter midway through the season, that: "Technically it's possible but we are going to be in Bahrain. We are not saying it's for sure, but we are looking forward to it."
Stefanovic also explained that he was hopeful the FIA would allow them a supply of official F1-spec tyres in the near future.
"We have been unable to get the Formula One tyres because the FIA and Formula One have a contract stipulating that only the teams that are already in Formula One can get the Bridgestone tyres," Stefanovic whined.
"We believe the FIA has to release the proper tyres to us for safety reasons. We expect it to happen and we have very good faith that it is going to happen."
He added that his ongoing efforts to bring 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve into the team was close to success.
"It's not happened yet but everything except his signature has been done," Stefanovic beamed, "Probably in the next two or three days, we will be reaching some sort of an agreement."
THe Serbian team owner also confirmed that his team was backed by FOM oligarch Bernie Ecclestone.
"I think Bernie supports everyone and I think he supports us because we are pushing for it. We are working, not talking," he smiled, "The impact will be huge and a lot of people in Serbia don't realise that yet. The positive image of Serbia being a part of Formula One is something any country would wish for, so it's a plus one way or another. Also, it's a huge opportunity to get into high-tech business."
The deadline from Stefanovic is coupled with reports from Autosport that the FIA's technical delegate Charlie Whiting is set to visit USF1's Charlotte headquarters on Wednesday, for what the report describes as a "detailed look at the team", in an effort to establish the team's ability to compete in the championship in 2010.
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