Formula One news

Ignore Phillips comments, says Mallya

An official statement from the Force India team has moved to clarify what could be misleading remarks from its commercial director. Ian Phillips claimed on Monday morning that a move by Giancarlo Fisichella to Ferrari is now highly likely although the team encourages onlookers to 'ignore' what it claims are unauthorised comments.

Phillips is joined in the garage by reserve driver Vitantonio Liuzzi

With Phillips having told BBC Radio 5 Live that team co-owner Vijay Mallya should expect a call from Ferrari within twenty-four hours, a statement of response issued by the team explains that there is no such communication between the two parties.

'During a press conference via telephone shortly after the team's podium finish, in response to specific and repeated questions on the subject, Fisichella has himself clarified that he has 'not received any invitation from Ferrari' and went on to add that he was 'looking forward to driving the Force India car at the Monza GP',' the statement from team owner Vijay Mallya reads.

'There has been absolutely no change whatsoever on this front since yesterday (Sunday) and we look forward to Fisichella scorching the tracks at Monza.'

Phillips' comments should not be taken seriously, according to Force India team management

Having highlighted those comments of the driver, the press release went on to refer directly to the Director of Business Affairs' feelings. 'Ian Phillips' comments do not reflect the views of the Force India team management since he is not the designated spokesperson for the team nor is he authorised to speak to the media.

His comments should therefore be ignored.

We completely deny as baseless, whatever is reportedly attributed to him in reports that have appeared in a section of the press a short while ago.'


Ian Phillips' comments regarding the Fisichella-Ferrari situation can be read here

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