The spot is contingent on Sauber signing the Concorde Agreement that rules Formula One.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile confirmed late last week that the Sauber Team would be given a starting grid slot next year, taking the place of the departing Toyota team.
The spot is contingent on Sauber signing the Concorde Agreement that governs Formula One racing.
BMW announced earlier this year it was withdrawing from the super expensive and controversial sport at the end of 2009. In November BMW sold the team back to its original founder Peter Sauber, when BMW rejected its previous plan to sell its 80% stake to an unknown Mideast investment group, Qadbak.
The FIA, uncertain about the financial stability of the group, had for months refused to give the team a starting place on the grid.
“The FIA has written to inform BMW Sauber AG that their application for an entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship has been successful. Subject to their signing the Concorde Agreement, BMW Sauber will be awarded the 13th entry in the Championship, taking the place of the departing Toyota team,” said the governing boy in a statement.
The costly and scandal wracked business continues to be roiled by defections of major automakers, among them Honda, Toyota, BMW and tire supplier Bridgestone.
However, it is widely expected that Renault next week after its board meeting will abandon Formula One by selling its team.
Thirteen teams are expected to compete next season: McLaren, Brawn, Red Bull, Ferrari, Renault, Force India, Toro Rosso, Williams, Sauber, Lotus, Campos, Virgin Racing and the US F1 Team.