US F1 team impresses inspectors

US F1 are working hard on the virtual design of their 2010 car

The US F1 team have moved a step closer to making their Formula 1 debut next season after passing a second FIA inspection test.

The sport's governing body visited the Charlotte-based team this week and said it was satisfied with their progress.

FIA deputy president Nick Craw said: "I last visited the team in August and I am impressed with the progress made.

"It has all come together very quickly for the team, and we welcome them into Formula 1 competition in 2010."

US F1 have started building their 2010 car and plan to test it in January ahead of their debut season.

The team has released photographs of their facilities and of the computer designs of the car.

"Our timing is according to plan, with an early November 'roller' and a finished car in time for January 2010 testing," said team boss Ken Anderson.

"Our world headquarters is now complete and fully functional, and the 2010 race car is in the construction phase.

"The creation of a new team in the world's toughest form of motorsport is not easy, but there is no doubt whatsoever we will be on the grid in Bahrain in March 2010."

Anderson has confirmed the car is being built in America with the team recruiting a number of personnel over the last few months.

606: DEBATE What is everyone's opinions on the teams next year? Craig1987RFC

"Thanks to our in-house design and engineering staff and the aid of our technical partners, for the last 10 to 12 months, the car has gone through thousands of iterations in a virtual environment," he said.

"With this virtual design, we can test and be sure that it's right from structural, design and engineering standpoints, so we don't have to make a part, test it, break it and start again.

"We've taken out a lot of the guesswork and can get close to a race-ready piece right off of the machines, which is happening now."

US F1 are one of four new teams set to take the grid for 2010.

The three other new marques hoping to compete in 2010 are Lotus, Campos GP and Manor.