Force India becomes Racing Point Force India and will run well at Spa

After a period of uncertainty, the team will be able to line up this weekend during the Belgian Grand Prix, but it loses the 59 points amassed so far among the Manufacturers by Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon according to Article 6.2 of the sporting regulations because it is considered a new entrant. On the other hand, pilots keep their units in the ranking that concerns them.

Since Force India was placed under supervision on July 27, the FIA ​​has worked to save the Anglo-Indian team in close collaboration with administrators Geoff Rowley and Jason Baker of the company FRP Advisory LLP, Formula One Management (FOM) , and Racing Point UK Limited, the consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll.

Since our arrival at Spa-Francorchamps, the Force India name has been removed from the trucks and equipment of the Silverstone team, which was not certain of participating in the Belgian Grand Prix due to the uncertainty surrounding their identity and legal status. These have an impact on the financial rewards and other endowments that the different teams receive.

The registration of a team during the season is subject to the unanimous approval of the other teams. We will remember that Renault, McLaren, and Williams, had expressed reservations on these subjects in the wake of the placement in receivership of what was still Force India at the time.

« I am very happy with the positive outcome of the file which allows a new entrant to arrive during the season under the name Racing Point Force India, declared Jean Todt, president of the FIA. Creating an environment conducive to financial stability is one of the major challenges facing the Formula 1. Thanks to the hard work of the FIA, the administrators, Racing Point, and the FOM, we have reached a solution which secures the future of the team's highly qualified employees while maintaining fair competition in the second half of the year. the season ».

Formula 1 boss Chase Carey added: “ It is of paramount importance that we have a complete and competitive grid, made up of competent Formula 1 teams. We are convinced that the Racing Point Force India team will continue to go from strength to strength in the future. ».

« The Racing Point Force India team is delighted to be able to compete this weekend for the resumption of the championship in Belgium, concluded Otmar Szafnauer who now occupies the roles of team principal and CEO of Racing Point UK Limited. This decision marks the opening of a new chapter for us. Just a few weeks ago, the future looked uncertain and more than 400 jobs were threatened. We now have the support of a consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll who believes in our expertise and our potential to perform well on the track. We are grateful to the FIA, the administrators, and the FOM for their support in reaching this happy conclusion for the sport and its many fans. ».

These developments will surely have an impact on the driver front as Lance Stroll, son of new owner Lawrence, is expected to join Force India from Williams in what could be a very near future.