Williams and Force India outside FOTA discussions

With an FIA compromise having removed threats of a breakaway series, the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) has revealed that no meeting is yet planned to confer the reintroduction of Williams and Force India to the group, meaning that the two teams remain outside of cost-cutting discussions. With Williams and Force India having submitted full, unconditional entries to the governing body in May and June respectively, the teams explained that – budget cap or not – contractual obligations with the FIA meant that no alternative options were available but to put their entries forward, against the wishes of FOTA.

With the other eight teams having held back and the budget cap since abandoned, however, all current teams will be competing next season despite wrangling still ongoing with the FIA.

'The Williams and Force India teams remain suspended,' a FOTA spokesperson confirmed to GPUpdate.net on Thursday, before adding that no meeting is yet scheduled to take place over the matter. 'The executive committee has to decide on their re admittance.'

The Williams team also commented on whether a positive result has been found between themselves and FOTA: 'Not at present, but we do hope that we will be readmitted at some point in the future.'