FOTA set to suspend Force India

Force India are poised to be suspended from the Formula One Teams’ Association after submitting a separate official entry for the 2010 championship.

Due to contractual obligations with the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Management, Williams were suspended by FOTA 11 days ago when they lodged an unconditional entry with the governing body.

Last Friday, the remaining nine current F1 teams – including Force India – then submitted a block conditional entry at the behest of FIA president Max Mosley.

However, with the situation still critical between FOTA and Mosley, with the FIA to announce the 13 teams for 2010 next Friday, Force India are the latest to break ranks.

“It’s likely they may be suspended,” confirmed FOTA vice-chairman John Howett.

“I haven’t really had the opportunity to speak to (Force India owner) Vijay (Mallya) directly.

“He has submitted, in accordance with FOTA, a conditional entry.

“But apparently, because of other binding legal activities due to funding or other issues, they needed to submit an official entry.

“He (Mallya) will be here tomorrow, and I will speak to him then, but I have to say I think it is the intention of FOTA to suspend them based on a face-to-face discussion with Vijay.

“But he has confirmed to me, through (deputy team principal) Bob Fearnley, he is totally supportive and committed to FOTA.”