Spyker to be renamed Force India F1 in 2008

SAO PAULO: The Spyker F1 team will be renamed Force India F1 in 2008, the team's new owners said on Saturday, confirming the arrival of India as a sporting and economic force in the world's highest echelon of motor racing.    

Spyker F1 were purchased earlier this month by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya and Dutch businessman Michiel Mol.   

The owners said they have had their new name approved by F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone and all of the remaining teams are expected to approve the change. The new name will also require the approval of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council on Wednesday.  

"I have applied to the FIA to change the name of the team to Force India F1," said Mallya. "It's now an internal process for the FIA." Mallya said the team had already developed a logo in the colours of the national Indian flag.    

"The livery of the car will obviously be determined by the sponsors we'll have - because a sponsor wants the colours of the car to also be compatible with their own branding.  But the Force India logo with the Indian flag will obviously feature quite prominently."