It is understood that USF1 has formally applied to join the teams' alliance, while former Renault test driver Franck Montagny is said to be on the team's short list of prospective drivers.

The Formula One Teams' Association currently consists of all the teams except for Force India and Williams which are both suspended after their decision to submit their entries for the 2010 championship at the height of the FIA/FOTA war.

FOTA will consider USF1's application over the course of the Italian GP weekend, with Campos and Manor both expected to submit their applications in the near future.

Meanwhile former Renault test driver Franck Montagny, who contested seven Grands Prix for Super Aguri in 2006, is said to be on the American team's shortlist as it looks ahead to its F1 debut next year.

Montagny, who finished second in the Le Mans 24-hour race in June and is currently in the United States for a Petit Le Mans race with the Peugeot team, is said by a close friend of the Frenchman to be very much admired by Peter Windsor, co-founder of the Charlotte based outfit. Windsor is said to be impressed by Montagny's skill as a driver and his ability to develop a race car.

However, mindful of the numerous other drivers being considered by USF1, Montagny is also said to be in talks with both Andretti Green Racing and De Ferran Motorsport with a view to contesting IndyCar next season.