Ferrari rumours refuse to die down

Following rumours that Force Indias first podium finisher Giancarlo Fisichella would soon join Ferrari for the rest of the...

Following rumours that Force Indias first podium finisher Giancarlo Fisichella would soon join Ferrari for the rest of the season,Force India chairman Vijay Mallya has clarified that there was no such offer.

Force Indias commercial director Ian Phillips had been quoted as saying to BBC Radio 5 Live that a confirmation of Fisichellas switch might come as soon as in the next 24 hours. But Mallya scotched all talk of Fisichella leaving Force India following his sensational second-place finish at the Belgium Grand Prix on Sunday. Ian Phillips comments do not reflect the views of the Force India Formula One Team management since he is not designated spokesperson for the team. Nor is he authorised to speak to the media. His comments therefore should be ignored, Mallya said in a statement.

We completely deny as baseless whatever is attributed to him, he added.

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Fisichella is rumoured to have been contacted by Ferrari to replace Luca Badoer,who has filled in for injured Felipe Massa in the last two races.

Mallya pointed out to Fisichellas post-race teleconference with Indian journalists in which the driver denied joining Ferrari. There has been absolutely no change whatsoever on this front since yesterday and we look forward to Fisichella scorching the tracks at Monza, Mallya said.

Phillips had earlier said: We do expect a move will probably be made in the next 24 hours or so. Nobodys asked us yet but I think its pretty likely that somebody will make a phone call. I dont think they (Force India) have really got any options (but to release him).

Gill,Mallya in war of words

A war of words broke out between sports minister MS Gill and Mallya on the governments refusal to acknowledge Formula One as a sport. While Mallya questioned the ministrys stand,an adamant Gill called it expensive entertainment and said the government would not change its stand just because of Force Indias performance.

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I congratulate them for their efforts but our view has been known for the past many many months. Formula One is the most expensive entertainment even in the west, Gill said.

Mallya maintained India would host its maiden GP in 2011. We are definitely going to host the event. The organisers have have started building the track, he said.