FOTA missing almost 40pc of 2010 grid

For the time being, the car manufacturer-dominated Formula One Teams Association will not represent nearly 40 per cent of the 2010 grid.

John Booth, boss of the new Manor Grand Prix outfit, revealed that his Yorkshire-based team currently has "no relationship with FOTA".

"There's certainly no antagonism or hostility there, that's for sure. But eventually we would like to be part of it. But certainly I think we need to earn our place and are not just given it," he told the online magazine GP Week.

The same is true of other new outfits US F1 and Campos, while a FOTA spokesperson confirmed last week that existing teams Williams and Force India remain suspended after breaking ranks amid the FIA conflict.

At the Bologna press conference late last month, FOTA vice-chairman John Howett did not refer to the two suspended teams but flagged some forthcoming "dialogue" with the three new teams.

"FOTA is open to talk; we believe dialogue is constructive and positive," the Toyota team president said.

"Our door is open and I guess in the next two to three weeks, as the total situation is stabilised, we will enter into discussion with them should they wish to meet," Howett added.

When the FIA agreed to rip up plans for budget caps in June, a statement said "manufacturer teams" will instead "assist the new entries for 2010 by providing technical assistance".

But while this would require a close collaboration between the parties, the current rumour is that FOTA, amid reports of political misgivings, is considering requesting an investigation into how the new entries were selected by the FIA.