FIA confirms 22 entries for 2008.

The FIA, Formula One's governing body, confirmed on Friday that it had received 22 entries for the 2008 Formula One world championship.

A brief statement posted on the organisation's website read:

"The FIA has received applications from 22 teams wishing to compete in the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship. All applicants have been invited to a meeting in London on 10 April 2006."

Although no further details were given, there will only be twelve slots in 2008 and, with eleven teams already in the category, and therefore virtually guaranteed a place in the championship, only one remains up for grabs.

Of the other eleven entries, Paul Stoddart is known to be behind one, in a bid to resurrect the Minardi team, while David Richards' Prodrive company confirmed its bid to join the circus on Friday.

Other rumoured wannabe participants include a team backed by former BAR founder, Craig Pollock, GP2 team ART Grand Prix, Team Penske, which competes in the Indy Racing League in the USA, and possibly a McLaren-Mercedes 'B' team, to be backed by Japanese luxury good company Direxiv and headed up by former racer Jean Alesi. Former Ferrari pilot Eddie Irvine is also known to be sniffing around the paddock in search of a possible return as a team owner.

The FIA will presumably check out each of the new applicants and vet their facilities, credentials, financial plans, etc, before confirming which one is most suitable to join the field in two years' time.

Of course, should the five manufacturer teams decide to proceed with their breakaway series, most likely on account of not being able to reach a financial agreement with new F1 commercial rights holder CVC, there would be more spaces appearing on the entry list, so each of the new candidates still has a carrot to chase.