Mallya pulls Kingfisher out of Toyota

By Karl King
January 1 2008

In unsurprising news announced yesterday, Toyota revealed that, by mutual consent, it's sponsorship contract with Force owner Vijay Mallya's airline company has been terminated. The deal was originally intended to run though the 2008 season, but with Mallya's recent purchase of the Spyker F1 team with Michiel Mol's family, he has pulled out in order to focus his efforts on his new project.

Toyota released a statement saying, 'Toyota Motorsport GmbH has enjoyed a successful partnership with Kingfisher Airlines, collaborating on several promotional events both in India and across the world. However, Dr Mallya is now focusing on his new Formula 1 project and Kingfisher Airlines' request for an early end to the partnership has been agreed to be in the best interests of both parties.'

The Kingfisher Airline's brand appeared on the Force India interim livery in winter testing.

It is also being reported today that ex-Toyota third driver Franck Montagny is searching for a deal in Champ Car, ending any speculation he may take the second driver seat at Force India after testing with the team in 2007.