Force India unlikely to be re-named as 'Force One'

Force India is unlikely to be re-named 'Force One', however the team is still seeking alternatives. Earlier this year, team boss Vijay Mallya confirmed that the Silverstone based squad was lining up a name change for the 2018 season.

He said that it would make the team more internationally appealing and would allow for more sponsors to come through. It emerged that 'Force One' was the most likely name change, with 'Force Racing' also in the frame.

However, it now appears that the 'Force One' name will not go through, but deputy team principal Bob Fernley states that there are other options available: "We're going to have difficulty getting it through as Force One," Fernley said to Autosport.

"Like all things we tried to do it in partnership with everybody, so we're working with F1, just out of courtesy. What you want is the path of least resistance. It's wrong to say it's completely off the table, but you want to be pushing an open door, not one which will have difficulties.

"Out of courtesy we need to work with Liberty and the FIA to make sure we do things in a constructive way," he continued. "It's not the only option that we have in place. We're looking at others at the moment. Whatever decision we take is going to have to be done with a great deal of thought, because it has to last us indefinitely, because now we have to develop a brand to represent the team going forward and into the new era."

Fergal Walsh