Teixeira and Mallya Clash on F1 India

Vijay Mallya has given his reaction to the words of A1GP promoter Tony Teixeira. An interview with Teixeira hit the media and the clear message he gave Reuters was that Force India should be promoting Indian drivers (such as Karthikeyan) and show more of an attempt at promoting F1 racing through India.

“The Force India thing, although great for India, is a little bit negative in terms of youngsters and getting them to race if you are never going to win a race,” said Teixeira.

“It’s the wrong message. I think (Force India owner) Vijay (Mallya) is trying to set something up which is a long-term plan but it’s not the right message having Force India and non-Indian drivers.”

Being passionate about your country is a great image to portray, but Teixeira is showing his passion for racing and his country on one hand and on the other he is criticizing India’s brand new F1 team at a time when he should be on board. A team that is already putting India on the map along side the technology and scientific community. While Mallya is building an F1 team which seems to be going in the right direction, he is being criticized for not employing Indian drivers thereby not promoting India as a racing nation.

India has begun to flourish in the technology and scientific world of late. Take for example Hyderabad which with it’s rich history, culture and architecture have now added information technology, and the world of science, specifically biotechnology and has put India on the world map in these areas. This has been made possible through the Indian people and a tremendous influence from other countries. The starting point came from already established companies from other parts of the world who located to India after seeing great potential started by some influentially rich Indian people. Bring on Vijay Mally. He is marketing his country the same way India has marketed their tech and scientific industry.

Once Vijay Mallya has his team stable and on a competitive course with other backers with deep pockets like his, followed by a strong foundation, Indian drivers will, in due course be looked at before any other driver from any other country. By establishing a viable and powerful foundation for high level racing in India his efforts will pay off. The flow down effect will also create even stronger racing schools and leagues throughout India.

For now, in his first year on the F1 circuit having Giancarlo Fisichella and to a lesser extent Adrian Sutil is the best choice in improving Force India for the future of Indian drivers. Establishing yourself and paving the way for your future countryman is never a bad choice.

I don’t believe Teixeira’s remarks are healthy to his nation and could even to some extent turn some youngsters away from racing if they believe Vijay Mallya is not promoting his own country.

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