USF1 team barred from F1 for not racing in 2010

The USF1 Formula One team has been fined and barred from ever competing in F1 for not taking part in the 2010 world championship.

The World Motor Sport Council said Thursday the American team had ``infringed the FIA international sporting code (and) the sporting regulations of the 2010 FIA Formula One world championship.''

The Council said it was fining the team $382,000 plus legal costs and banned the team from taking part in ``any competition.''

USF1, whose primary investor is YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley, was granted an entry for the 2010 season but withdrew in February because it was unable to develop its cars in time.

The council said Hurley and team principal Ken Anderson informed FIA - motor sport's world governing body - of USF1's withdrawal from the 2010 season in a letter, requesting its entry be suspended until 2011. FIA refused the request.

In its defense, USF1 argued it was hampered by sponsor withdrawals throughout 2009, due in part to media reports casting doubts on the team's participation in the 2010 season, as well as the worldwide recession.

USF1 also claimed that an agreement drawn up for Formula 1 teams in 2009 created financial and administrative hurdles.

USF1 has seven days to appeal.