Formula One news

Mallya expects gradual progress

The opening race of the 2008 season will be a landmark in the history of Indian sports: the debut of India's first-ever Formula One team. When the Force India Formula One Team's distinctive red, white and gold cars complete their first-ever laps of the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, it will be the first time an Indian-registered team has ever competed at the highest tier of motorsport.

"To be one of 11 teams participating is itself is a matter of great pride," said Force India boss Vijay Mallya. "Not everyone can say we own an F1 team and we are on that grid. It takes a lot to be there in the first place. You're effectively competing at the very highest level in the world, for the World Championship, and you're one of the chosen 11."

"But in 2008 and 2009 it's going to be a gradual process," he added. "One is extremely pleased by the excellent testing times we've had. Fisichella was fourth one day. But am I going to hang my boots on it and say we're going to be among the top five? Absolutely not. We have a lot of work to do, but we're moving in the right direction very positively, and in a very determined manner."

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