Cash-flow crisis puts teams at risk for Melbourne

Two weeks before the 2015 season begins, the extact number of cars that will be on the starting grid remains unclear – and not just because Manor-Marussia's planned resurrection is not yet confirmed.

Force India has only just got its 2015 car up and running, after months of rumours of critical financial and supplier problems.

"We have had cash-flow issues, there is no question about that," deputy team boss Bob Fernley admitted to Sky. "It's tough for all the independent teams."

Rumours swirling in the Barcelona paddock this week suggest that only five or six teams can actually be relied upon to definitely make it to Melbourne and then stay alive for the whole of the season.

Amid that backdrop, Bernie Ecclestone met recently in London with bosses of the struggling Lotus, Force India and Sauber teams, according to Auto Motor und Sport.

They reportedly warned the F1 supremo that, as a worst case scenario, they might not make Melbourne due to a 'cash-flow crisis'.

Lotus owner Gerard Lopez explained: "The months of November, December and January are the worst, as during this phase of design and production you spend 43 per cent of your budget with nothing coming in from the outside."

That is precisely what happened to Force India, some of whose crucial suppliers suddenly began to demand upfront payments after both Caterham and Marussia went into administration owing them money.

Motorsport.com recently went behind the scenes with one of Force India's main suppliers, and you can read that story HERE.