Cosworth embroiled in new FIA controversy

F1's governing body reportedly selected only new teams with no ties to car manufacturers to make their grand prix debuts in 2010.

Britain's Daily Telegraph cites disgruntled bosses who missed out in the FIA's selection process as alleging that only a commitment to independent engine supplier Cosworth ensured a spot on next year's grid.

US F1, Manor and Campos, all to be powered by Cosworth, were included on the 2010 entry list, despite more established names including Prodrive and Lola also applying to race.

It is believed some of the rejected teams planned to tie up for engine supplies with Mercedes, Ferrari or Renault, as F1's car manufacturers warred with the FIA about the future of the sport.

"We were told that if we wanted to take up the 2010 grid slot we would have to sign a three-year engine contract with Cosworth," one unsuccessful team applicant told the newspaper.

Another wrote in a letter that he "had a real possibility of obtaining a Renault, Mercedes or Ferrari engine. It was made very clear to me that it was considered a mandatory condition from the powers that be that Cosworth was the engine supplier".

It should be noted that at the time of the 2010 selection process, the car manufacturers including Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, Renault and Toyota were all threatening to quit formula one and race in a rival series.

An FIA spokesman confirmed that the availability of an independent engine supply was a "priority" for the new teams, otherwise "the whole grid would be at the mercy of the car industry and no new team would be able to enter without their permission".

But another disgruntled unsuccessful 2010 applicant alleges the new teams were "hand-picked for political, rather than sport criteria".

Cosworth insists it "in no way, shape or form requested that the FIA make demands on its behalf of potential entries to the formula one world championship".