The Formula One Teams' Association were last night pouring cold water on FIA president Max Mosley's claim the two factions were "very close" to a compromise deal.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Mosley appeared genuine when he talked of the prospect of reaching an agreement. The 69-year-old even went so far as to suggest writs due to be served against FOTA and Ferrari on Monday would likely be delayed in the wake of conversations staged over the weekend.

However, bosses of the FOTA teams were left bemused by Mosley's remarks as they are ploughing ahead with plans for a breakaway series, regardless of whether legal action is taken against them.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh, when asked whether any progress had been made, replied: "No, I don't think so.

"It's difficult to make progress on a day when you're concentrating on going motor racing.

"We will see what happens in the coming few weeks, but I think it is not a situation that we set out to achieve.

"We have to make sure we concentrate on keeping the teams together and making sure we are racing together in the premier form of motor racing."

FOTA are due to meet again on Thursday to discuss whatever emerges out of Wednesday's World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris when a number of issues will be up for discussion, not least the bitter feud between FIA and FOTA.

It is a meeting due to be attended by Ferrari president and FOTA chairman Luca di Montezemolo, which could lead to a frosty fight between the Italian and Mosley.

FOTA maintain plans to appoint an administrator for their series, the review of circuits and their own potential new entrants are in full swing, which could force Mosley's hand.