May 13 (GMM) The French GP2 outfit ART Grand Prix is bidding to become the thirteenth team on the 2011 formula one grid.

"Yes, we have applied to join the world championship in 2011," Frederic Vasseur, co-founder, confirmed to France's Auto Hebdo.

The team is also headed by Nicolas Todt, son of FIA president Jean Todt and manager of the Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.

ART also races in F3 Euroseries and GP3.

Expressions of interest for the 13th place closed on April 15, and the FIA is said to be moving towards a final decision by July.

"We did not want to confirm our willingness to engage in formula one until now, to best prepare for this very complex issue and not compromise our current activities," Vasseur added.

Vasseur also said the existing F1 teams have been informed "of our intentions", adding that he has "good relationships with Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault".

"The choice of engine is not yet defined," he insisted.

Auto Hebdo said Epsilon Euskadi, Durango and Stefan GP are also bidding for the last place in the 2011 pitlane.

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