FIA confirms Haas for 2015, considers Forza Rossa

Gene Haas, co-owner of title-winning NASCAR outfit Stewart-Haas Racing, has been given the right to join the Formula 1 grid from the 2015 campaign onwards, the FIA announced on Friday afternoon.

Gene Haas, co-owner of title-winning NASCAR outfit Stewart-Haas Racing, has been given the right to join the Formula 1 grid from the 2015 campaign onwards
Gene Haas, co-owner of title-winning NASCAR outfit Stewart-Haas Racing, has been given the right to join the Formula 1 grid from the 2015 campaign onwards

Following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Morocco, the sport's governing body also revealed that further investigations are ongoing into the validity of an entry under the banner of 'Forza Rossa'.

'The FIA has launched a selection procedure for an additional F1 team(s), and applications of a high standard have been received,' read a statement published by the FIA.

'In close consultation with the CRH [Commercial Rights Holder], the FIA has accepted the candidature of Haas Formula LLC and are in the process of conducting further investigations for Forza Rossa.'

The announcement came after a lengthy process as the FIA delayed its original February decision date to ensure that Haas had the required infrastructure and financial backing to join the Formula 1 field.

Haas welcomed the decision although acknowledged that he faces a challenge to get on to the grid.

"Obviously, we're extremely pleased to have been granted a Formula 1 licence by the FIA," he said.

"It's an exciting time for me, Haas Automation and anyone who wanted to see an American team return to Formula 1. Now, the really hard work begins. It's a challenge we embrace as we work to put cars on the grid.

"I want to thank the FIA for this opportunity and the diligence everyone put forth to see our licence application come to fruition."

A new team has not joined the sport since Caterham and Marussia – under their previous guises of Lotus Racing and Virgin Racing – entered the fray, along with the now defunct HRT squad, back in 2010.