The International Formula 3000 Championship is set for its swansong after managing to attract sufficient entries.

The series, which will be replaced by Formula GP2 in 2005, has been blighted by small grids in recent seasons and there had been genuine doubts as to whether enough cars could be found to make it viable this year.

Motorsport's world governing body the FIA had initially only issued a provisional ten-race calendar which was dependent on sufficient entries.

But the FIA have confirmed the series will support European Formula One races after ten teams lodged entries.

While F3000's swansong is confirmed, the FIA were cool on the announcement of its successor.

Formula GP2 organisers unveiled their series yesterday but the FIA were keen to stress no official approval had yet been granted.

A statement said: "Like any other private series Formula GP2 cars can run during FIA Formula One world championship weekends, subject to making the necessary commercial arrangements with Formula One Management Limited, the commercial rights holders.

"The FIA has not yet seen any proposed technical or sporting regulations for this series. When received, the draft regulations will be considered in the usual way."