However, the Indian billionaire revealed his signing campaign for 2010 will not have the same coordinates, as he'll aim to rejuvenate his F1 lineup. Sent as a clear message to Fisichella – starting his 13th season in Formula 1 – Mallya's statement after the Australian Grand Prix left no room for interpretation. He insisted Force India will look for young drivers in 2010, and Bruno Senna should be the main target.
“There were too many changes I was making with the team,” said Mallya, talking about the management/engine changes before the 2009 season (he fired both Colin Kolles and Mike Gascoyne). “We had management changes and I wanted to have some stability and continuity,” added the Indian team owner.
“There are youngsters waiting in the wings – one of them is Bruno Senna and we all thought he would be signed by Brawn GP but they went with Barrichello. We will look at the youngsters at the appropriate time. I know that Giancarlo is reaching the end of his racing career, it may not be next year but he is certainly at the tail end,” added the Indian billionaire.
After failing to convince Brawn GP that he is Formula 1-worthy in the off-season – as he lost to countryman Rubens Barrichello in securing a racing spot with the Brackley-based team – Senna looked elsewhere for a job, namely the DTM. He insisted he needs to keep close to an F1 manufacturer if he wants to make a future step into the series, and tested an AMG Mercedes C-Klasse earlier this month.
Considering the new engine deal between Mercedes-Benz and Force India, Mallya is likely to consider a DTM youngster for the 2010 season. Other DTM Mercedes-grown talents to candidate for an F1 job with Force India might be Paul di Resta and Gary Paffett, both linked with an F1 move the past winter.
Google News