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F1: Rumours of discord at Force India

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

All is not well behind closed doors at Force India, according to loudening whispers in formula one circles.

Despite the fact that the Silverstone based team is now closer to the rest of the pack than in its past Spyker and Midland guises, the latest Vijay Mallya-headed incarnation is apparently hosting some tensions within the top brass.

Despite a bigger budget in 2008 and technical achievements like the recently debuted seamless gearbox, the current rumours suggest that most of the unease is due to disagreements between team principal Colin Kolles and technical boss Mike Gascoyne.

There are also rumours of unease about the team's failure to score points this year, mistakes made by the drivers, and the realisation that significant progress is unlikely without a lot more money.

Mallya, however, said recently that he is committed to the project for 2009.

"One realises how tough formula one really is and it reinforces the challenge that I have before me for 2009 to be really competitive," he said.

"I now know precisely what I'm up against, so I can plan better.

"Maybe I learned the hard way, but it's good to learn. So 2009 will be much more competitive for the Force India team," the Indian billionaire added.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
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