Aug.26 (GMM) There are still "three candidates" in the running to occupy F1's 13th team entry in 2011, according to Joan Villadelprat.

He is in charge of the Spanish Le Mans team Epsilon Euskadi's bid, amid recent rumours the outfit had pulled out due to a lack of funding.

It has also been claimed that Epsilon Euskadi might instead merge with the struggling existing Spanish team, HRT.

"I don't know where that information came from," Villadelprat said in an interview with the sports daily AS.

"I spoke with Jose Ramon Carabante about a possible collaboration with us as a technology provider.

"We are looking for clients and it is clear Hispania is a potential client for the type of work that we do, provided there is no conflict of interest.

"But that's it, there was never any talk of a merger, even though I do not close any doors," he added.

Villadelprat said Epsilon Euskadi is still vying for the 13th team entry.

"The FIA knows our project well and now they must choose between the three candidates," he said.

"We explained our situation, including our financial one, making it clear that we have a commitment to provide the necessary budget even if the deal is not yet closed."

Echoing the claims of Jacques Villeneuve, who is bidding for the entry in collaboration with Durango, Villadelprat said it is possible the FIA will leave the 13th team place vacant.

Asked if he would be disappointed to miss out, he answered: "Not necessarily.

"Epsilon is more than F1; we are 130 people and would not risk our stability to go where we cannot be feasible."

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