'India' not saleable enough for Mallya, to change Force India’s name

The Force India F1 team, owned by fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, is all set for a name change Mallya is reported to have concluded that the name India is not viable anymore. A new name might open up sponsorship options The team could be rebranded as Force One, according to papers filed with the sport's governing body 

The Force India F1 team, owned by fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, is all set for a name change. The team could be rebranded as Force One.

Documents have revealed that on May 31 and June 6, new limited companies were registered in the UK under the names Force One Grand Prix, Force One Racing, Force One Team, Force One Technologies, Force One Hospitality and Force One Brand.

The only director listed is Dr Thiruvannamalai Laskshimi Kanthan - an accountant and financial consultant and long time associate of Dr Vijay Mallya. He is also a director of Force India and three other companies connected with it.

Autosport has reported that Mallya is opting for a more general name for the company since it has become difficult for him to raise funds in India.

The company currently uses the Force India Formula 1 Team name.  The names of the three other companies previously known as Jordan, Midland and Spyker will also be changed to Force One. 

Force India chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer admitted that aside from Mallya's own Kingfisher brand there has not been many Indian sponsors. Hence Mallya concluded that the name 'India' is not viable anymore and so this new name will probably open up sponsorship options.