Force India dismissed rumours yesterday that they will not be on the grid for the opening Formula One race of the season.

Speculation has swirled around the Silverstone-based marque since they revealed they would not attend the first pre-season test that concluded in Jerez yesterday, even with last year’s car.

The team has also now stated they will not run this year’s car at the second test in Barcelona from February 19-22, but will at least have the 2014 VJM07 at the Circuit de Catalunya.

It has resulted in gossip that Force India are in financial trouble and struggling to make the first race of the campaign in Melbourne over the weekend of March 13-15.

But a team spokesman claimed: “There is no truth in suggestions we will not be at the first race in Australia.

“Although everybody is working towards getting the VJM08 to the next test session in Barcelona, it’s more likely the new car will appear at the final Barcelona test.

“That would mean running the 2014 car at the first Barcelona test.”

Deputy team principal Bob Fernley has said the marque has encountered “production delays” with suppliers.