Mar.4 (GMM) Stefan GP has not been granted an official entry to contest the 2010 world championship.

The Serbian outfit has been pushing hard to prepare for the forthcoming season, preparing the departed Toyota's 2010 package, negotiating with Jacques Villeneuve and sending equipment to the scene of the opening race in Bahrain.

But although the FIA has struck the failed USF1 off the final entry list that was published late on Wednesday, the governing body said "it is not possible for a replacement team to be entered ... at this late stage".

The decision means there will be 24 cars on the 2010 grid rather than the maximum 26, with Stefan and USF1 needing to reapply along with other contenders for the vacant 2011 entry.

"In the coming days the FIA will announce details of a new selection process to identify candidates to fill any vacancies existing at the start of the 2011 season," read a media statement.

Curiously still retaining the 'BMW' in its official name, Sauber has been granted USF1's race numbers 22 and 23 for the 2010 season.

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