Force India likely to scrap 'Force One' name change

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Force India is rethinking its name change for 2018 as it will likely discard the 'Force One' moniker it was considering at one point.

The Silverstone-based outfit is looking to change its appellation to a more global sounding name in its quest to boost its international identity with sponsors.

The name 'Force One' appeared as a likely choice, and indeed it was registered in the UK earlier this year along with various entities.

The denomination is considered too close to 'Formula One' however, and Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley is now considering other name options.

"We're going to have difficulty getting it through as Force One," deputy team principal Bob Fernley told Motorsport.com.

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"Like all things, we tried to do it in partnership with everybody, so we're working with F1, just out of courtesy. What you want is the path of least resistance.

"It's wrong to say it's completely off the table, but you want to be pushing an open door, not one which will have difficulties.

"Out of courtesy, we need to work with Liberty and the FIA to make sure we do things in a constructive and consensus way.

"It's not the only option that we have in place. We're looking at others at the moment.

'Whatever decision we take is going to have to be done with a great deal of thought, because it has to last us indefinitely, because now we have to develop a brand to represent the team going forward and into the new era of Liberty."

While the team puts its creative minds to work between now and the end of the year deadline, Fernley believes it would make sense to at least retain 'Force' in the future name.

"We're not tied to it, but it would make some sense to keep it there. It's a key option that we're working with. It's a decision by the shareholders, and we can only make recommendations."

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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.