[Jack_Bauer]

Jean Alesi, the former Ferrari F1 star and proposed leader of the Direxiv project, has spoken out about the disappointment of being rejected for 2008 and his determination to get onto the grid for 2007.

Originally Posted by Planet F1.com

Despite losing out to David Richards Prodrive team for a spot on the grid in 2008 Jean Alesi has vowed to continue in his efforts to get a team into Formula One for the 2007 season.

41 year-old Alesi had proposed a McLaren-supported 'Direxiv' Formula One team but the Frenchman and his option were overlooked by the FIA when they made their decision last week.

The former Ferrari driver was expected to take on the role of 'Sporting Director'' at the new team which would base itself at the old factory of McLaren.

While it would now seem pointless to enter the Formula One for 2007, with no foreseeable agreement for 2008, Alesi remains determined.

''I will enter in 2007 anyway", he told Auto Motor Und Sport.

''The FIA will find it difficult to kick me out!''

It is obviously a huge financial commitment to join Formula One, especially if it could only be for one season, but Alesi is not concerned with that. He, and his crew, seem convinced they can still force their way I Formula One.

On receiving the FIA rejection letter for their proposal for the 2008 season the former F1 driver was understandably upset and 'surprised', saying he could not believe they were not in the best position, of all the proposed teams, to take their place on the grid.

''I can hardly imagine that someone is better set up."

''We can prove our healthy financing, 'however it was not even examined (by the governing body)."'

Should Alesi, who completed 202 F1 grand prix in his career, be successful in getting his new team on the roster for 2007 he would have to rely on his the kindness of his fellow competitors for any chance of racing in 2007.

FIA President, Max Mosley, has said in the past that the only way a thirteenth team will be included in 2008 is if they receive the unanimity of all 12 Formula One teams.

Needless to say, it is hard to imagine the 12 currently registered for 2008 agreeing on anything, especially the introduction of another competitor.