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Mallya not putting Force India up for sale

Financially embattled Force India co-owner Vijay Mallya denied rumors that he is seeking to sell the Silverstone-based F1 outfit.

The flamboyant Indian businessman is facing fraud accusations in his home country and will be in court next week in London for an extradition hearing.

Mallya has denied allegations of financial irregularities linked, among other things, to his Kingfisher Airline which shut down its operations in 2012.

Mallya's financial woes fueled speculation that he could put Force India up for sale, with David Brabham and Bernie Ecclestone rumored to be interested in the team.

Mallya disappointed with Haas view on F1 income

But Mallya says it's all just gossip.

"There have been no conversations with Brabham, I haven't even met them," he told talkSport.

"Bernie and me are good friends, we will always continue to be good friends and there is absolutely no talk whatsoever on a sale of this team."

Mallya also touched on the subject of own affairs and the impending extradition hearings.

"These extradition proceedings are based on various allegations made by the government of India and now the matter is before a UK judge, I am not going to comment further," added the 61-year-old billionaire.

"As far as the ownership of Force India is concerned, whether I continue to live in the UK or am sent back to India, the ownership structure of the team does not change at all.

"These extradition proceedings have nothing to do with either the ownership or the management of the team."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.