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[Blwe_torch]

McLaren not to impose drivers on Force India
12 Nov, 2008 12:22 am IST,AGENCIES

NEW DELHI: McLaren management said they might suggest preferred drivers for their new partner Force India but made it clear that they would never try to impose their will on the Vijay Mallya-owned Formula One outfit.

Force India on Monday announced its new 'ground-breaking partnership' which would see the Silverstone-based outfit running on Mercedes engines and using gearbox and hydraulic systems provided by McLaren.

Subsequently, speculation was rife that McLaren might push for the appointment of Paul di Resta and Pedro de la Rosa in place of Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil for the next season.

Speaking to autosport.com, McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh, however, made it clear that everything would be discussed with Force India but it was Mallya who would eventually be calling the shots.

"There's nothing off bounds in this partnership," Whitmarsh said, when asked if McLaren would suggest new drivers.

"Vijay has shown a lot of confidence in his commitment and investment in this partnership and us. We'll sit down and talk about every aspect of the programme, and that extends beyond the process development and the powertrain. We've got to work together on all those things," he said.

We will make proposals and recommendations that we think are enhancing the prospect of good performance. Vijay is an enormously successful entrepreneur in his own right in many fields, and if he turned all of those attentions to Formula One he would be an awesome competitor for all of us," Whitmarsh said.

"The reality is that I suspect he has some staggering business commitments outside of Formula One and he would expect us, as a specialist professional in this field, to make all of the recommendations that are necessary to go forward," Whitmarsh said.

The McLaren top official also ruled out the possibility of Force India becoming a McLaren B-team.

"At the end of the day, we've got to be respectful that Force India are a team in their own right. They are a partner, but although there will be a range of strident suggestions and recommendations, this team have to decide. It's in his hands.

"This isn't a takeover by McLaren. This is an independent team that we happen to be partnering, and I hope that we can bring business benefit to this organisation," he added.
http://racing.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/McLaren_not_to_impose_drivers_on_Force_India/articleshow/3701495.cms

[Blwe_torch]

Force India snaps ties with Ferrari

November 07, 2008 21:33 IST
Last Updated: November 08, 2008 10:51 IST
Determined to do better next season, Force India on Friday formally snapped ties with Ferrari [Images] and is all set to ink a new deal with McLaren-Mercedes as its engine supplier for the 2009 season.

The Vijay Mallya-owned outfit, in a statement, said Force India requested Ferrari to prematurely terminate the deal, which was scheduled to expire in 2010.

"The agreement signed in 2007 also provided for a supply of engines in 2009 but will now terminate ahead of schedule at the request of Force India," the statement said.

"Force India wishes to thank Ferrari for its much appreciated and valued support to date, which has always been carried out at the highest level; technically and professionally and within an excellent relationship," it added.

Though the Force India camp is tight-lipped about the deal with McLaren, sources said the outfit would reveal the details in the next few days.

Before the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, Mallya had disclosed that talks were on with McLaren and ruled out the possibility of any bitterness following a premature snapping of ties with Ferrari.

"Ferrari and us are very, very close friends, we have an excellent relationship. We have told them exactly what we want. We are in discussion. They are aware that I have talked to McLaren, so everything is completely transparent from our point of view," Mallya had said.

"And it is also recognised that if for whatever reason we need to part, it will be a very friendly parting. And that's all agreed. If they have incurred some costs developing engines for us for next year, we'll talk about it.

"We're certainly not going to be bloody minded. If they have incurred costs on my behalf, I think I owe it to them to offer to reimburse," he said.

"Beyond that I think there is a very positive and friendly spirit on either side, and so they will not be any acrimony or any wilful enforcement of a contract," he added.

Mallya had asked for the entire drivetrain and KERS package from both potential suppliers and McLaren was quick to offer a complete engine, KERS and transmission package.

"Ferrari are not very sure that they can give me the entire drivetrain...At the end of the day what sense does it make for me to have a great engine, a great KERS system, and a gearbox that's tentative? That's why I said go for the whole hog, a good tried and proven and tested package from the top two teams," Mallya said.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis also admitted in the Chinese Grand Prix that talks were on with Force India.
http://www.rediff.com/sports/2008/nov/07force-india-snaps-tie-with-ferrari.htm