The FIA has officially opened the selection process for teams interested in joining Formula 1 next season.
The sport's governing body backed the enlargement of the grid to 13 teams for this year but the field was reduced to 12 when US F1 ran into financial difficulties.
Stefan GP had been hoping to fill the void but the FIA has decided that another team will not be added until next year.
"The FIA has decided to open a new selection process to identify a candidate team to fill any vacancy that may exist in the FIA Formula One World Championship at the start of the 2011 season," a statement released by the governing body on Friday read.
"The FIA may also identify one or more possible 'reserve' entrants to fill such vacancies.
"This selection process will be open to all candidates capable of participating in the Championship for 2011 and 2012. The overall long-term interests of the Championship will determine which candidates are selected.
"The precise terms of this selection process, together with the applicable selection criteria, deadlines, legal requirements and other conditions, will be communicated to candidates who have registered a formal expression of interest with the FIA's Secretariat before 5pm CET Thursday 15th April 2010, together with an administration fee of EUR1,000."