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Line up confirmed: Italian Additions
By Karl King January 10 2008
The Force India F1 Team presented its driver line up of Giancarlo Fisichella, Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi to the world today in a glitzy press conference in Mumbai. When asked about the lack of an Indian driver in a team with the the nation in its title, Dr Vijay Mallya, co-owner of the team, hinted that he did not think there were any Indian drivers that were ready for Formula 1.

The Indian billionaire mentioned the fact that India's most famous motorsport export of late, Narain Karthikeyan has only recently won his first race in A1GP after a miserable time in F1, whilst Karun Chanduk needs, he feels, another season in GP2.

Mallya spoke at the press conference of his desire to create an Indian F1 driver who is ready for F1 - an "Indian Lewis Hamilton equivalent".

Mallya was cautious to warn people not to expect to much too soon, but expressed confidence of getting the team to the level of competing for podiums at the inaugural Indian GP in Delhi.

Mainly, of course, the press conference was to announce who would line up alongside Adrian Sutil. You can see the stories on this site on the announcement of Fisichella and Liuzzi by clicking their names.

Giancarlo said, "I am looking forward to joining Force India for the coming season. At the test in Jerez, I was very impressed with the team's professionalism and commitment to move forward and I hope that my experience will help them achieve these goals. Contrary to what people may think, this was not my only opportunity, it was the best one: with new owners and a competitive budget, I really think we can shake things up next year. I feel motivated and ready to help Force India get points on a regular basis."

Adrian commented, "I am very happy to stay with Force India for another season. There was interest from other teams, but the opportunity to stay with a growing team that has strong ambitions is very positive for me at this stage in my career. I am also very excited about the opportunity to work with Giancarlo. He is very experienced and has driven for a World Championship winning team, which can only help both myself and Force India learn and move forward."

Tonio added, "I am very pleased to be able to help Force India in their testing and development programme this year. With increased resources there will be much more input and emphasis into the team's testing, and the test driver's role will be crucial to helping progress. I know I can play a big part in the team as it grows, which is a good opportunity for me going forward."
 
Dr. Vijay Mallya, chairman and managing director of Force India F1 Team commented, "The Force India Formula One Team is a serious project and we wanted to make a statement to this effect with our driver line-up. Money is not the issue now: we need drivers who will push the team and give us direction. The race line-up of Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil is a very good one, balancing both speed and experience, and Tonio will provide the team with solid support in his testing programme. I think we have a very strong driver line-up for 2008."

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10 Jan, 2008 17:55 Report
IndyAndy (IP Logged)
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Re: Line up confirmed: Italian Additions
I like Fisi (no, really - I do!), but I was hoping that FIF1 would go with two young guns. Fisi will probably be good for car developement feedback, but I've just never seen him as a guy who gives more than 95% when its race time.

Glad to see that Tonio landed somewhere, even if it is only in a testing spot.

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10 Jan, 2008 18:23 Report
Bigpip (IP Logged)
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Re: Line up confirmed: Italian Additions
FIF1 needed to get a good name in the car and Fisi's is a good one to have.

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10 Jan, 2008 20:29 Report
Andy™ (IP Logged)
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Re: Line up confirmed: Italian Additions
Yep, now all they need is a good car. Years away.

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11 Jan, 2008 07:40 Report
Johan Hasselberg (IP Logged)
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Re: Line up confirmed: Italian Additions
Fisi is very important for the Force India team, just like Jarno Trulli is for the Toyota team. Two very good italian drivers is my favorites in F1.

Let It Rock!

Johan smiling smiley

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12 Jan, 2008 22:09 Report
Alianora La Canta (IP Logged)
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Re: Line up confirmed: Italian Additions
This is going to be a very good trio for Force India. Hope the car works, but given that FIF1 have Gascoyne, Smith, lots of other good staff and a decent budget, it probably will smiling smiley .

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13 Jan, 2008 05:21 Report
kashanf1 (IP Logged)
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Re: Line up confirmed: Italian Additions
in an interview to times, liuzzi has told that he felt that shoes were little girlish and was feeling uncomfortable wearing them.Lolz

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