FIA to inspect USF1's ability to join grid

[John S]

Looks like the FIA have at last woken up to the problems facing USF1 and others, lets hope they can come to some resolution quickly about who gets the last two grid slots.

Team US F1 is the subject of an FIA inspection about its state of readiness for the new season, AUTOSPORT has learned, amid fresh doubts about the American outfit's hopes of competing in 2010.

Less than 24 hours after a senior staff member at the Charlotte-based operation revealed the troubles the team is in, high level sources have told AUTOSPORT that the FIA is now taking a detailed look at the team.

AUTOSPORT understands that FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting is visiting US F1's headquarters to get an update on its progress for 2010 - and just how ready it is to compete this year.

The visit, which has not been officially confirmed by either US F1 or the FIA, comes in the wake of speculation that team backer Chad Hurley is trying to complete a deal with either Campos Meta or Stefan GP to merge operations and keep US F1's ambitions on track.

The FIA declined to confirm the inspection is taking place. When contacted by AUTOSPORT an FIA spokesman said: "We have no comment to make, at this stage."

By Jonathan Noble and Dieter Rencken Autosport, 24th Feb