Force India F1 name served its purpose says Mallya amid Aston talks
Vijay Mallya says the Force India Formula 1 team name has served its purpose as he closes on a deal that will rebrand the outfit as Aston Martin Racing
As Autosport reported on Friday, Force India is set for a name change next season if the Aston partnership is completed, while its livery will become blue and gold as part of a link-up with sponsor Johnnie Walker.
Mallya purchased Spyker and renamed the outfit Force India for 2008, with the team finishing 10th in the constructors' championship.
Since then, it has steadily risen up the ranks and is currently fifth in the constructors' standings, which would be its highest finish.
Mallya insisted he would have no qualms about sacrificing the name he gave the team if it was in its best interests to rebrand.
"Please understand why the name of the team is Sahara Force India," team principal Mallya told Autosport.
"The Sahara bit is because they made a significant investment in the team and became a partner.
"The Force India bit is something I did when I bought the team - which I could have easily named Mallya F1 or Kingfisher F1 or whatever.
"I said Force India because I wanted to fulfil aspirations of all the motorsport enthusiasts in India who never could have even dreamed there would be an Indian F1 team on the grid.
"F1 has long been regarded as being out of reach.
"That was the objective and I've fulfilled that objective. We've fulfilled the objective over eight years."
Mallya believes the deal, which includes Aston Martin receiving branding on the car as well as technology transfer from F1 for its road car business, would be positive for the team's long term future.
"That marque is one of the most famous British brands," said Mallya.
"It has a good amount of stature. It is at a level of luxury and aspiration.
"It attracts more sponsors and makes what is today Force India more marketable.
"That's why I'm talking. It adds that little bit."
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