The 🎃FIA, Formula One's governing body, confirmed on Friday that it had received 22 entries for the 2008 Formula One world championship.

A brief statement pജosted on the organisation's website read:

"The 𝕴FIA has received applications from 22 🎀teams wishing to compete in the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship. All applicants have been invited to a meeting in London on 10 April 2006."

Although no further details were given, there will only be twel🔴ve slots in 2008 and, with eleven teams already in the category, and therefore virtually guaranteed a place in the championship, only one remains up for grabs.

Of the other eleven entries,♓ Paul Stoddart is known to be behind one, in a bid to resurrect the Minardi team, while ꧙David Richards' Prodrive company confirmed its bid to join the circus on Friday.

Other rumoured wannabe participants include a team backed by former BAR founder, Craig Pollock, GP2 team ART Grand Prix, Team Penske, which competes in the Indy Racing League in the USA, and possibly a McLaren-Mercedes 'B' team, to be backed by Japane✱se luxury go♊od company Direxiv and headed up by former racer Jean Alesi. Former Ferrari pilot Eddie Irvine is also known to be sniffing around the paddock in search of a possible return as a team owner.

The FIA will presumably check out each🗹 of the new applicants and vet their facilities, credentials, financial plans, etc,💯 before confirming which one is most suitable to join the field in two years' time.

Of course, should the five manufacturer teams decide to proceed with their breakaway s♊eries, most likely on account of not being able to reach a financial agreement with new F1 commercial🦩 rights holder CVC, there would be more spaces appearing on the entry list, so each of the new candidates still has a carrot to chase.