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Force India F1

Force India F1 launches VJM01 in Mumbai

By: Karthik :+: Under: Force India F1, Formula 1, Motor Racing, Sports
On: ⋅ February 9, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment
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Dubbed VJM01 for ViJay Mallya, the Force India livery for 2008 lacked ‘India colors’. As we suspected, Kingfisher found it’s way into the car and so did a lot of Gold. Until I see the car on screen, I cannot comment on how ‘good’ it looks.

Speaking during the launch, Mallya had this to say,

This is truly historic for two reasons, One, this is the first time in history that an Indian ASM (motorsport authority) of the FIA has issued an entrance license for a Formula 1 team. So we go in to the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship as an Indian entry.The second is the unveiling of the world championship 2008 car in front of you here in Mumbai in front of the historic Gateway of India. This is a passionate, emotional and hugely proud moment for me personally.

Over 30 years ago when I started my own motorsport career in a small Fiat…to 1978 when I imported my own first Formula 1 car, the Ensign MN08, I’ve always dreamt of an Indian team on the elite Formula 1 grid, I think we should not underestimate what it means to actually have a team that competes in the FIA World Championship. There are only 11 competing for the world championship and it is a matter of great honour and pride to be one of them. I’d like to say that this is the new platform for the face of new India. Five years ago if anybody had questioned whether there would be an Indian inspired Formula 1 team on the world championship grid the answer would probably be; No way. No way because Formula 1 is indeed very expensive, the budget for Force India Formula 1 for only the year 2008 is in excess of US$120m.

India as we knew her was not ready for this sort of commitment to sport. Today I’m proud that the world championship car is being unveiled here in India in our very own city of Mumbai in front of the historic monument – the Gateway of India.

This gateway is not just historical as we know it but I think it is a gateway to a new India and the face of modern India.

We are very proud indeed, an achievement that will go down in the history books. Now let’s start aiming for some points, even it means we have to fight with midfield.

God, I can’t wait for the F1 season to start.

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