Time short for three-car teams in 2015 - McLaren

Time is running short if formula one needs three-car teams to bolster dwindling grid numbers in 2015.

That is the claim of Eric Boullier, boss of the McLaren team, presumably one of the richer outfits that would be called upon by Bernie Ecclestone to pick up the slack should some struggling teams collapse over the winter.

Existing regulations provide for the controversial move to three-car outfits in the event of a grid below 20 cars, but Frenchman Boullier said teams need time in advance to get prepared.

"The chassis for the third car, the logistics, the people around ... we will need at least six months notice," he said.

"I think the driver is the easiest to get on board," Boullier told reporters.

Force India supremo Vijay Mallya said this week that if teams are asked to run three cars, they will require financial compensation for the extra costs.