By Ross Heaton BBC Oxford

Head has backed Prodrive to succeed if they compete in F1

Williams' director of engineering Patrick Head believes Formula One will benefit from having new teams in 2010.

The list of successful new applicants for the championship is set to be announced by the FIA on 12 June.

Banbury's Prodrive are tipped to earn a place on the grid along with Brabham GP, who may use the former Super Aguri factory in Leafield as their base.

"It is always healthy if Formula One is such that new teams can come in," Head told BBC Oxford.

"Formula One works in a fairly hi-tech, high-achievement environment, and if teams justify their capability of competing there then they should be welcome."

Head, who is one of the most experienced voices within the sport, feels Prodrive are particularly capable of making the grade.

"They (Prodrive) are a very experienced outfit in many field of motorsport, and if they do come in I am sure they will do a good job, " he added.

Williams were suspended from the umbrella teams organisation Fota last month, after the Grove-based team submitted an unconditional entry which runs through to 2012.

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