Force India name change pushed due to sponsors request, 2018 car on schedule

After 10 years being as Force India F1 Team/Sahara Force India F1 Team, the UK-based Indian outfit is wanting to change its name upon multiple requests from sponsors. It had pinned on 'Force One' early in 2017, however, some issues forced the team to rethink the name.

For now, the decision hasn't been made as it is still scouting names. It is not even certain whether both 'Force' and 'India' will be removed or one of it will be dropped - more so the latter, since the potential sponsors didn't want to tie itself down to one country.

"A couple of potential sponsors said that if we don’t change, then we don’t come on board [with you]," said Otmar Szafnauer. "I don’t know [why?]. But I think, maybe those sponsors wanted a more global approach to what they are doing, [and] not being tied down to one country.

"So, they just thought if they are going to sponsor a team, they will sponsor a team which is not really tied to one country. I am not sure [if Force will also be removed]. I hate to yes…then it turns out as no and I hate to say no…then it turns out as yes. We haven’t decided. So, it’s hard to say.”

Szafnauer adds the decision over new name will likely be revealed with the team's launch, which could take place during late January or early February. The livery, however, will be an 'enhanced' version of the current pink.

Full story: www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/11/12676/Sponsors-Request-Pushed-Force-India-for-Name-Change

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