Greater Noida, Oct 27: Unfazed by the controversy, F1 team Ferrari will race at tomorrow's Indian Grand Prix with the Italian Navy flag on its car as India's motor sports body is convinced that it was not a political move.
Vicky Chandhok, the President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), was asked by the Sports Ministry this morning to verify if Ferrari's motive was political.
“I was asked to see if the flag is painted in military colour. I verified it, it wasn't and replied to the Ministry. It's just a sticker. When we are convinced that it's not a political move why should I ask them to remove it (flag) from there,” Chandhok told PTI.
It caused a huge furore when Ferrari put the flag on the car in support of the two murder-accused Italian sailors, who are facing trial in Kerala.
F1 boss Bernie Ecceleston had refused to be drawn into the controversy and had said that it was for the National Sports Association to sort out.
The External Affairs ministry had disapproved Ferrari's decision when official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said that using sporting events to promote cause which are not of a sporting nature is “not in keeping with the spirit of sports”.
FMSCI also issued a statement saying Ferrari have clarified that their move will not have any “political implications”.
“The FMSCI would like to maintain that the FIA code of motorsport is apolitical and non-religious and the FMSCI will not permit motorsports to be politicized in any manner. Stefano Domencialli, Team Principal Scuderia Ferrari, has confirmed that their initiative of carrying their national navy flag does not have and should not be seen as having any political implication,” the statement said.
