Force India F1 team set for Aston Martin Racing branding deal - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com The Force India Formula 1 team is closing on a deal to be rebranded as Aston Martin Racing next season, Autosport understands. The move will bring the British sportscar manufacturer back to F1, over half a century after its previous brief foray in 1959 and 1960. Aston Martin wants to have a presence in F1 to take on sportscar rivals McLaren and Ferrari on track as well as off. It previously discussed a return to F1 in a tie-up with Red Bull as well as holding talks with Williams and Force India, before ultimately deciding to focus on the latter. Alongside the team name change, it is understood the livery will become blue and gold as part of a link-up with sponsor Johnnie Walker. Aston Martin will receive branding on the car while there be synergy on R&D to allow for significant technology transfer from F1 to its road car business. Force India's engine supplier Mercedes, which owns five per cent of Aston Martin, is said to have given its blessing to such an arrangement. Speaking to Autosport, Force India team principal Vijay Mallya said: "If tomorrow someone comes and offers me a good sum of money for title sponsorship, I'll seek the team name. "If the marque comes along and I have to change the team name, I have to look at what it does for the team in terms of profile. "It's premature to talk about it now, but we're talking.
That would be awesome IMO! They remain a "big name" around the world (James Bond etc!) & would be really good for the sport IMO. After all, & with all due respect to the fine job VJ has done, "Force India"?....... Not exactly a household name (at least outside of India.....) Cheers, Ian
Then I have to root for them next year!!! But they need the Aston green on the cars...Now Button would be the perfect driver: Button, Jenson Button
I am sceptical about that story. Aston Martin isn't associated with F1. Aston Martin last foray in Grand Prix was an absolute disaster. A rebranded Force India team would still be a Mercedes customer team with limited ambitions. It may end up like the Jaguar F1 team. I don't think the customer base of either makes (Jaguar and Aston Martin) is interested in F1. It's a pity that Vijay didn't attract more sponsorship from India.
Vijay Mallya got it all wrong, it's Jaguar that belongs to the Indians, not Aston Martin! Aston Martin belongs to the Qataris, I think.
Interesting. Quite possible as the road cars have a partnership with AMG. Anything is better than Force India IMHO.
Force India F1 name served its purpose says Mallya amid Aston talks - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com Sounds closer to a complete deal now....
Force India still holding out for Aston Martin deal Force India still holding out for Aston Martin deal Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley thinks a tie-up with Aston Martin may still be a 'long way off' despite ongoing talks.
I'm happy for them. From a dead last team to a solid midfield team, despite all the money issues over the years. Hopefully the Aston deal can ensure more money and translate into front runners soon enough.
+1 - what we need fewer teams? The current lead teams of F1 dont appear to want the sport to grow. They are in fact cowards! Welcome Aston !!!
