Force India gets a shot of Johnnie Walker

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Force India has signed a multi-year deal with Johnnie Walker and will feature the renowned Scotch whiskey's branding on its cars in 2017.

Johnnie Walker, which is owned by Diageo, has enjoyed a prominent presence in Formula 1 since 2005 as a partner of McLaren. The company will continue its association with the Woking-based outfit for one final year.

For Force India, the deal is viewed as more of a permutation of brands rather than the arrival of new sponsorship as Johnnie Walker will simply replace Smirnoff - also a Diageo company - on its cars.

It's interesting to note that Vijay Mallya's former Indian alcoholic beverages company, United Spirits, is a subsidiary of Diageo.

Ever since its arrival in Formula 1, the whiskey brand has always promoted responsible drinking messages to a broad audience through its Join the Pact campaign.

Former two time world champion Mika Häkkinen is Johnnie Walker's entitled Responsible Ambassador.

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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.