Spyker Acquisition Officialized!

Indian businessman Vijay Mallya on Friday officially sealed the deal to acquire 50 percent of the Spyker F1 team.

Mallya and the Mol family from the Netherlands formed a consortium to buy the Spyker team for 88 million euros in September. The deal was officially sealed on Friday morning, making Mallya the first Indian to lead a Formula One team.

« The deal was concluded this morning. Mallya is now officially the owner of the Spyker team with the Mol family, » said Prakash Mirpuri, spokesperson for Mallya. « After the signing of official documents, the management of the Spyker F1 team was handed over to the new owners. »

The Indian who is expected this weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix, has already announced his intention to give the team an Indian touch, although he has not yet confirmed any name or driver lineup for 2008.

« We would like to have an Indian driver but this will depend on many other questions. We need to reach a consensus for that, » explained Mallya last month.

India is represented in F1 thanks to driver Narain Karthikeyan, who recently indicated that he was in talks with Spyker for a seat next year.

Additionally, India will host an F1 race in 2009 thanks to the joint efforts of the Indian Olympic Association and F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone.

This Asian country, which is India, is thus stepping fully into the world of Formula 1, much like China did a few years ago.