Force India defection adds to split; FORMULA ONE.

THE Formula One Teams' Association do not want a war with FIA president Max Mosley, with the threat of a breakaway series to be considered only as a "worst-case scenario".

However, FOTA's unified front is beginning to weaken, with Force India the latest to break away from the organisation by submitting an unconditional entry to compete in next season's championship.

FOTA vice-chairman John Howett today meets Force India owner Vijay Mallya, whose team's suspension from the body is set to be confirmed.

With Williams suspended 11 days ago after they lodged their entry, it is a case of 'and then there were eight'.

The situation is playing into the hands of Mosley, who will next Friday announce the 13 teams due to line up on the grid for 2010.

Force India had previously aligned with the other eight teams in submitting a conditional block entry last week, at the behest of Mosley.

If Mosley rejects the block bid, preferring instead to go with the 10 potential new teams, plus Williams and Force India, FOTA will be forced to assess their options - which could mean their own series.

"I've read in the last two weeks we are at war, but there's no war," insisted Renault boss Flavio Briatore.

"We have a responsibility to our employees, to the fans of Formula One, so we don't want a war with anybody. What we want is governance and a system we've always had in Formula One - a Formula One Commission, a Concorde Agreement and stability."