With just over a week before the first practice session at the Australian Grand Prix, Marussia says it is still without a signed commercial agreement with Formula One's Commercial Rights Holder (CRH).
Bernie Ecclestone has negotiated agreements with all the other teams on behalf of the CRH, but despite having its 2013 entry accepted by the FIA, Marussia confirmed on Thursday that it still does not have a commercial deal in place.
"We are in active discussion with the Commercial Rights Holder but, as of today [Thursday], we do not have a signed agreement with them," a spokesperson confirmed to ESPN.
Speaking to ESPN at last week's Barcelona test, team principal John Booth said he felt a deal was not far off.
"It's getting pretty close now," he said. "Nothing is signed yet, but it's getting pretty close now."
Until an agreement is signed Marussia will not be entitled to a share of Formula One's revenues, but Booth said it was more important for Ecclestone to get an agreement in place ahead of the first race.
"No [it's not vital for Marussia ahead of Australia]," he added. "It's vital for Bernie because he won't be able to film us without it."
