Formula 1

Aston Martin will not brand Force India in 2016

Published Jan. 14, 2016 1:59 p.m. ET

Adam Cooper

Force India's Chief Operating Officer Otmar Szafnauer has confirmed the team will not carry Aston Martin branding this season - but added the two companies are still talking and there is the potential to have a relationship in the future.

Aston Martin's interest in a Formula One sponsorship deal became public knowledge in July and after initial talks with Red Bull fizzled out, the company talked to other teams, with Force India emerging as the most logical candidate.

As reported in December, Aston Martin had postponed any decision until January, and insisted any decision on a future motor sport strategy had to incorporate its sports car racing plans.

The biggest issue has always been the company does not have the budget to make an impact in F1, despite the obvious appeal from both sides.

"It's a big step, and it's flattering that Aston Martin have been talking to us," Szafnauer said. "We're still discussing. In the short term, meaning 2016, I don't see that type of re-branding happening. But you never know what the future holds thereafter."

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