Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone. (file)

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PARIS, France -- USF1 won't be racing in Formula One this year and its place on the grid will not be given to another team, the ruling International Automobile Federation (FIA) said Wednesday.

The American team, one of four planned newcomers for 2010, had previously said it was looking to skip the first four races of the season.

"The USF1 Team have indicated that they will not be in a position to participate in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship," the FIA said in a statement.

"Having considered the various options, the FIA confirms that it is not possible for a replacement team to be entered for the Championship at this late stage."

That decision dashes the hopes of Serbian team Stefan GP of taking USF1's place, having waited in the wings with the cars from the defunct Toyota team.

The FIA added that it would soon announce details of "a new selection process to identify candidates to fill any vacancies existing at the start of the 2011 season."