Despite weeks of speculation regarding a potential tie-up with Aston Martin, Force India’s chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer has confirmed that a collaboration will not be forthcoming in 2016.
It has been common knowledge that the luxury car brand has been interested in entering the sport of late. The heritage and glamour associated with F1 are certainly features that would pair well with the luxury brand.
Without sufficient funds to launch their own team alongside their sportscar programme, a sponsorship deal has been forecast, with the brand reportedly having spoken to Red Bull prior to focusing its sights on Force India.
After the Silverstone outfit enjoyed their most successful campaign to date in 2015, they are a team riding high. An attractive proposition for potential investors.
However, at the Autosport International Show, Szafnauer has diffused speculation that the two entities could unite for 2016, but has not ruled out a relationship developing in the future.
“It’s a big step, and it’s flattering that Aston Martin have been talking to us,” he said. “We’re still discussing. In the short term, meaning 2016, I don’t see that type of re-branding happening. But you never know what the future holds thereafter.”
Szafnauer highlighted that 2017 could be a different story and that this particular story is “definitely it’s not dead.”
