Until now, only two teams announced their drivers' lineups for the upcoming season. Lotus F1 Team signed Grand Prix winners Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen earlier this month, after which Manor/Virgin Racing confirmed German driver Timo Glock and Brazilian racer Lucas di Grassi. That leaves Campos Grand Prix, US F1 and Sauber F1 still looking to complete their strategy for 2010.
Talking to The Times newspaper on Monday, Ecclestone reiterated his belief that not all newly-entrants will make it to the 2010 season opener. In addition, he hinted that the initial teams of whom he was skeptical of have a high chance of staying off the F1 action in March.
“I think the people we expected to perform will and those that we thought wouldn't, won't,” said Ecclestone, with a clear reference to the entry list for next season. In addition, he also revealed that he expects 24 cars on the grid, rather than 26.
The Times then reported that Ecclestone actually referred to US F1 and Campos Grand Prix, which basically means the 79-year old expects 2 teams to walk away and one to come aboard. In case Stefan GP will not be allowed to compete in 2010, the team is eyeing a debut in the Great Circle for the 2011 season, which will leave the 2010 grid at only 22 cars.
Until these speculations will be denied by the two outfits in question, Campos and US F1 will continue to work hard to secure their F1 future. While the Spanish team has already confirmed Bruno Senna for 2010, the North American outfit is yet to announce at least one of their race drivers for next season.
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