Three new F1 teams in 2010
Presumably on the back of the FIA's newly announced voluntary budget cap for next year, the F1 chief executive told the AP news agency that the grid is set to swell to 26 cars.
He did not name the other two teams but suggested the USF1/USGPE team is among the new entrants.
"We've got a lot of people confirmed," the 78-year-old added.
Ecclestone also contradicted an FIA spokesperson when he denied that the governing body needs to consult with the teams before reproposing the 'winner takes all' scoring system for 2010.
"It won't be necessary to discuss it with anybody. Providing the regulations are out before they enter the championship, that's how it is," he said.
The Briton slammed the current system, with 2 points between race winners and second place, and points all the way down to eighth place, as "completely mad".
03/25/09 Formula one boss Bernie Ecclestone expects there to be three news teams on the grid in 2010. Despite the troubles current F1 teams have endured due to a lack of sponsorship heading into the 2009 season, Ecclestone is confident their will be 26 cars lining up next season because costs have been reduced in F1.
"We'll have 26 cars on the grid next year – we've got a lot of people confirmed," Ecclestone told the Associated Press.
Last month Peter Windsor and Ken Anderson said they planned to launch USF1 in time for the 2010 season.
The 2010 season will also have a €33 million (£30.8 million) budget cap which could help the sport become more affordable to new entrants.
Another new team in 2010 could be provided by Korean car giants Hyundai, though the economic crisis currently hitting car manufactures may jeopardize their attempts to set up a team.