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Vettel doubts new 2010 entries

RED Bull driver Sebastian Vettel is skeptical about the chances of proposed new teams making it to the grid for next season's Formula One championship.

At least 20 new teams have lodged entries for the 2010 F1 championship, with only three spots available if all 10 current teams remain.

Their entries were prompted by the FIA's proposed voluntary 45 million euros (US$60 million) budget cap next season, which would significantly cut the costs for startup teams.

Vettel believes June 12 - the day FIA is expected to publish the 2010 entry list - will prove decisive for the sport's future.

"We all don't know who is behind these teams, if they are really true or not," Vettel said. "As soon as these new teams or whatever team has to put some money on the table to prove (their position), it could already change the whole thing."

Only Williams has lodged an unconditional entry for 2010, with the rest wanting the proposed budget cap altered if they are to take part.

FIA president Max Mosley had said current teams can breakaway if they don't like the new rules, and Red Bull is among the teams ready to pull out, raising the possibility of a breakaway series.

The teams are afraid that the cap would create a two-tier system, as those who sign up to the cap would be granted more technical freedom in design.

"That's the question - which direction do we go now?" Vettel said. "Some people want to go this way and some people want to go this way. In the end, we will see where we will go. We all want it to continue."

The 21-year-old German has been the closest challenger to the Brawn GPs this season but sits 28 points behind overall leader Jenson Button after six races.

Vettel, whose win at China interrupted Button's early dominance, has called his season 50-50 so far. Red Bull, and possibly Ferrari, appear to be the only teams capable of challenging Brawn GP for victory in the short term.

"After (China) I don't think we did a bad job. In the meantime our main rival Brawn GP did no mistake," said Vettel. "That's racing, it's always writing its own story. Sometimes it's very boring, sometimes it's very exciting."

Vettel, who crashed out in Monaco, believes Red Bull will improve in Istanbul.

"The cars are at the beginning of their development so there is still a lot happening," Vettel said. "If (Brawn GP) are still backing off I don't know. I hope not."



 

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