Following the decision by Williams and then Force India to break ranks with the teams' alliance, it is claimed that five of the manufacturers that form FOTA have signed a $50m bond in order to guarantee unity.

Writing in the Sunday Times, driver turned commentator, Martin Brundle (right) - who previously incurred the wrath, not to mention the legal might, of the FIA by describing the sport's governing body's pursuit of McLaren during the 2007 spy saga as a "witch hunt" claims that Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Renault and BMW have all signed up to the bond.

Under the terms of the bond, those that have signed - no mention is made of McLaren or the Red Bull teams - the five manufacturers agree not to "jump ship" and enter the 2010 championship unconditionally within the next 30 days.

Brundle's claim, which comes hours after British F3 team revealed that it is hoping to be on the 2010 grid as Team Lotus, comes at the start of what could be a tumultuous week for the sport.

On Friday, the FIA is due to announce the thirteen teams whose entries have been accepted for the 2010 World Championship. Already, Williams and Force India have broken ranks with FOTA and signed up to the 2010 championship with no conditions attached. Furthermore, a whole host of new teams, including USGPE, Lola, Prodrive and now Team Lotus have also signed up, albeit on the understanding that the FIA's budget cap will be in place, the very factor that the FOTA teams are so vehemently opposed to.

Over the next few days it is possible that things may get even sillier ahead of what many see as the sport's 'Black Friday'