Lotus is to return to Formula One motor racing for the first time since 1994 after the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) confirmed the manufacturer's entry for the 2010 season.

The Malaysia-based company will occupy the last available grid space from 2010 onwards, although the FIA is set to consult with teams over plans to increase the number of spaces to 14 to include a total of 28 cars. Despite BMW's decision to pull out of the sport, the Sauber team has been handed the 14th spot after it was revealed the German company is on the verge of sealing a deal with Switzerland-based Qadbak.

The 14th position will entitle the team to occupy any vacant grid space that may become available, should the FIA's attempt to extend the grid capacity to 28 cars prove unsuccessful. However, the FIA's decision to award the entries for the 2010 Formula One season has come as the managing director and executive director of engineering at the ING Renault F1 team - Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds, left the team in the midst of ongoing allegations relating to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

If found guilty, it is not yet clear what sanctions the team could face from the FIA's World Motor Sport Council at a hearing on 21 September in Paris, France.