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Published: Friday June 19, 2009 MYT 10:11:00 PM

Force India disappointed by rival F1 series

SILVERSTONE, England (AP): Force India described Friday plans by eight Formula One teams, including Ferrari, to form a rival series after refusing to participate in the 2010 F1 championship as "very sad and disappointing."

Force India and Williams will be the only current teams on the F1 grid next season after lodging unconditional entries, breaking ranks with the eight-strong Formula One Teams Association. At the moment, they know they will be joined by newcomers Campos Racing, Team US F1 and Manor F1 Team.

Ferrari, current championship leader Brawn GP, McLaren, Renault, Toyota, BMW Sauber, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso announced the breakaway series after FOTA failed to resolve its despite with the governing body FIA over a voluntary budget cap.

"We were always hoping there would be compromise between FOTA and the FIA but at midnight last night I was notified by FOTA about their decision, which already seems to be heading towards a breakaway championship or series," Force India owner Vijay Mallya said. "We find this to be very sad and disappointing, particularly since the FIA World Championship and the Formula One brand has been developed into an invaluable property over many decades.

"As of now, Force India is a confirmed entrant to the FIA 2010 Formula One World Championship and we wait to see the developments over the weekend."

Both Force India and Williams were suspended by FOTA, which is launching the series and pledging to introduce transparent governance and one set of rules.

"We have been completely open and transparent with FOTA," Mallya said. "We have shared the legal and commercial obligations that necessitated an unconditional entry by Force India to the FIA Formula One World Championship 2010. I think the transparency with which we acted was appreciated by FOTA but they chose to suspend us, like Williams."

Talks were continuing in the Silverstone paddock Friday to try and resolve the FOTA-FIA dispute ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix.

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