Out: Mitsubishi of the Dakar, and indeed all cross-country rally events.

This is a bit of a surprise, especially since they only launched their new car this year. But if taking part is unjustifiably costly in the current climate, then that’s just an unfortunate coincidence.

I think the Dakar would survive fairly comfortably without any manufacturer teams, but it’s a shame nonetheless.

In: a team called USF1 to Formula 1, according to rumours.

With the cost of taking part from 2010 having already dropped significantly, and more cost savings being discussed this week, the spare couple of garages in the Formula 1 pit lane could be filled fairly quickly. 22 cars on the grid in 2010? Yes please!