Force India says that there are no doubts about its participation in this year's Formula 1 world championship, despite reports suggesting that the team could be put out of business.
A story in Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper revealed that Force India was sent a notice of dissolution on Jan. 26 because of a failure to register its accounts with Companies House. The team has a Feb. 25 deadline to complete its paperwork for the dissolution process to be called off – something team principal Vijay Mallya insists will be easily achieved.
"It is not unknown for companies to file their annual returns late, the reasons for which are varied," Mallya told AUTOSPORT.
"Force India F1 Team has been in constant communication with Companies House and an extension to file was granted on Jan. 27, with a grace period to Feb. 25, 2010. This is a standard procedure and not uncommon in any industry.
"We are taking all the necessary steps to ensure filing is made on or before that date. Therefore Force India's participation within the F1 championship has not, and will not, be in jeopardy. "
Force India is currently preparing for its first full test of the new Mercedes-powered VJM03 at Jerez from Feb. 10-13 following a successful shakedown at Silverstone on Wednesday. Vitantonio Liuzzi is scheduled to drive on the first two days of the test, with Adrian Sutil taking over for the last two days.