Autoblog

Spyker's well-publicized tumult continues on its way to some sort of conclusion with news that the F1 team has been sold. The buying consortium includes Michiel Mol, until recently the head of Spyker Cars, his son Jan Mol, and Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya. The F1 team has always operated under financial terms independent of Spyker Cars, and this move should further assure the continuation of the team no matter what happens to the car company.

The Mols' interest is obvious. Mallya, though, is most interested in raising India's profile in Formula 1. He already sponsors the Toyota team through his Kingfisher Airlines, which will continue, but bought into Spyker in a personal capacity. He will probably move to get Narain Karthikeyan, currently a test driver for Williams, into a seat at the new team. Pending the completion of due diligence in 30 days, Etihad Aldar Spyker F1 will change to Orange India.

[Source: F1-Live]