FIA allows Spyker to rename itself Force India

NEW DELHI: Liquor-baron Vijay Mallya-owned Formula One team Spyker has been permitted to change its name to Force India from next season by motorsport's governing body, FIA.

The change of name was ratified in a World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris on Wednesday, making it the fourth name change for the team originally called Jordan.

It was taken over by the Midland Group in 2005 before being sold to Spyker last year.

The Silverstone-based team was then bought by Mallya and Dutch businessman Michiel Mol.

The change of owners, however, has done little to change the team's fortunes as it finished another disastrous season this year with just one constructors' point.

However, Mallya is confident of reviving the team in the next season.

"'Force India' brings India and the hundreds of millions of people in India to the sport of Formula One," Mallya said in Brazil.

"It is not only beneficial to our team but to the whole sport and all the sponsors involved," he added.