Aston Martin is settling a deal with Force India to put its name back in Formula One for the first time in over 50 years, better positioning the British brand against rivals like McLaren and Ferrari.
According to autosport.com, the Force India team will be re-branded as “Aston Martin Racing,” and continue to use Mercedes-sourced engines. Aston Martin and Mercedes are set to sync for the research and development of the team, as Mercedes owns a five percent stake in the British manufacturer.
Force India beat out other interests from Mercedes-Aston Martin including Red Bull and Williams Martini Racing.
It is reported that the car will adopt a blue-and-gold livery through a sponsorship with Johnnie Walker Whiskey, who will be leaving McLaren at the end of the 2015 season.
A Force India spokesperson was quoted by Autosport saying discussions are underway, but nothing is settled yet.
“We continue to have a number of discussions about 2016 and beyond with both our current and new partners who see a commercial value in a relationship with Force India.
When the time is right we will make suitable announcements in conjunction with our commercial partners. The future remains very bright for the team.”
Force India will have to formally submit a name change to Bernie Ecclestone, F1’s commercial rights holder, to adopt the Aston Martin moniker once the deal is in place.
PHOTO CREDIT: Alex Woodgate ON FLICKR / ASTON MARTIN
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