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Force India car unveiled; ICICI Bank, Medion Group, Reliance join as sponsors

Indiantelevision.com Team

(8 February 2008 1:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Amidst dazzling pyrotechnics, the car for the UB Group’s F1 team Force India was unveiled.

ICICI Bank, Kanyan Capital, the Medion Group, Reliance Industries, Magnet Marelli and Dalmore have come on board as sponsors.

The man and his dream machine

This announcement comes on the heels of the drivers' lineup which was unveiled last month.

Speaking on the occasion, UB Group chairman Dr Vijay Mallya says, “Five years ago, nobody would have thought it possible that India would be present on the F1 circuit. The country was not ready. Today though our presence is just one manifestation of the direction the country is moving in. India has a middle class of 400 million people and this offers a lot of scope for the F1 sport to grow.

"While cricket is the dominant sport, it is my hope that Indians will come together and support our team. There are only 11 teams that compete on the circuit and to be one of them is an honour."

The budget for Mallya's team this year exceeds $120 million. "In terms of getting sponsors, this is the first time that I find myself in this position. Generally, it is the other way around. However, I know what a sponsor looks for in terms of value and we will be able to deliver it," Mallya said.

Mallya is entering the sport at a time when the competition is at its pinnacle. "It will take a lot of blood, sweat and tears for us to succeed. I took over a team that has not fared well in the past. This is a sport where a fraction of a second is the difference between winning and losing and whether or not you manage a podium finish. With the blessings of the people of this country, I am sure though that we will do well."

The first race will take place in Melbourne in March. The car called VJ01 will run for the first time at the next test in Barcelona from 25-27 February 2008.

For the UB Group, 2008 marks a milestone as the company takes its first steps in two sports - F1 and cricket. It may be recalled that Mallya bought the Bangalore team for the BCCI’s upcoming Indian Premier League. The challenge remains for him to present a winning scorecard.