The beleaguered Formula 1 outfits have sent out an SOS to the sport’s power broker Bernie Ecclestone in a bid to be granted greater revenue percentages.

As the sport faces extraordinary and difficult times, Ecclestone has made overtures about allowing up-specced GP2 cars or customer chassis to enter F1 in a two-tier type grand prix system.

The idea has been shouted down by struggling teams at a time when Caterham has been placed in administration and Marussia has been wound up after failing to attract a buyer.

A difficult financial plight also confronts Force India, Sauber and Lotus as the move to the high tech and lavishly expensive hybrid power units this season has placed greater strain on team coffers.

Bob Fernley, the deputy principal at Force India, confirmed a letter had been sent to Ecclestone requesting an urgent meeting with his squad which is also expected to be attended by Sauber and Lotus during the season-ending Abu Dhabi race at the Yas Marina circuit this weekend.

“In our common interest and for a sustainable future of the sport, we request you, together with the other stakeholders, to implement a more equitable distribution,” part of the leaked letter read.

“A two-tier system can only be considered a short-sighted vision.

“It is evident that the current developments are dramatically reducing the value of Formula One and massively undermining its reputation as a sport.”

The 1.6-litre V6 turbo-charged hybrid arrangements which were ushered into the 2014 season are believed to have cost more than $40million to set up, or a sizeable chunk of the smaller team’s annual budgets.