Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley has reiterated the Silverstone-based marque is ring-fenced from co-owner Vijay Mallya’s personal financial problems.

Mallya’s Kingfisher Airlines is understood to be close to collapse, with reports in India claiming the 17 banks who loaned a total of around £840 million are now looking to call in their debts.

Mallya’s business portfolio is extensive, with the tycoon recently selling off a considerable slice of his shareholding in United Spirits for an estimated £774 million.

Last year, when rumours of the demise of Kingfisher were rife, Fernley insisted then the team would not be affected.

With suggestions the banks are seeking to sell off Mallya’s assets as collateral, his stake in Force India has been mentioned.

Fernley, however, has again claimed that what is currently happening to Mallya “doesn’t affect the Formula One team”.

“There is a disconnect between what happens in Vijay’s business and what Vijay is doing on the F1 team,” Fernley said.

“So it doesn’t matter what happens there. The shares in United Spirits have quadrupled in the last few months, so he did a wonderful deal there.

“But whether Kingfisher or United Spirits is doing well or not doesn’t affect the team, and it’s very difficult for us to get that message across, although we have been trying for several years.

“Five times a year we are up for sale. But we are still there and the strength of Force India, which so many people seem to have missed, is our shareholders.

“We don’t have to go to the external market to be able to raise our race budgets. We are blessed to have quality shareholders like Vijay.”

The team, meanwhile, has confirmed a seat fitting for former driver Adrian Sutil took place this week.

Force India is the only team in F1 yet to announce a second driver, with Sutil and reserve Jules Bianchi the front-runners to line up alongside Paul di Resta.