India motorsport chief satisfied Ferrari flag not a breach of rules

Ferrari has found itself engulfed in a political storm at the Buddh International Circuit this weekend amid suggestions that its decision to run the flag breaches the FIA statutes.

However, after being asked to look in to the matter and speaking to Ferrari, Vicky Chandhok, head of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), said he was satisfied that Ferrari's claims of it not being political are satisfactory.

"The FMSCI would like to maintain that the FIA code of motorsport is apolitical and non-religious and the FMSCI will not permit motorsports to be politicised in any manner," he said in a statement issued on Saturday.

"Stefano Domenicali, Team Principal Scuderia Ferrari, has confirmed that their initiative of carrying their national navy flag does not have and should not be seen as having any political implication.

"FMSCI firmly believes that carrying their national navy flag will not have any effect on the case pending before the Indian Courts. The FMSCI will not permit any attempt to subvert the process of justice by politicising the event."

Ferrari said it was carrying the flag to show support for the Italian navy, and help add momentum for a push to resolve the diplomatic dispute between Italy and India over the court case involving two Italian sailors, who have been charged with murdering two Indian fishermen.

Domenicali reiterated on Saturday that there was no political motivation behind its move.

"The Italian Navy's national flag on the Ferrari race cars at the Indian Grand Prix is there as a tribute to one of our country's outstanding institutions," he explained.

"With all the respect due to the Indian authorities, Ferrari wishes to make it clear that this initiative does not have, nor should it be seen as having, any political implication."