Kingfisher Airlines dumps Toyota for rival team
Toyota Motorsport GmbH and Kingfisher Airlines have mutually agreed to end the contract as Official Partner one year early, meaning the relationship will cease at the end of 2007. This decision allows Dr Vijay Mallya, the Chairman and CEO of Kingfisher Airlines, to focus his Formula 1 activities on the Force India team, of which he is co-owner.
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.
Chairman and Team Principal Tadashi Yamashina said: "I would like to thank Kingfisher Airlines for its support during 2007 and I wish Dr Mallya good luck with his new Formula 1 venture. I look forward to seeing him next season, even if he is now associated with a rival team. Toyota F1 PR
When the post-season tests began in Spain last month, the re-liveried burgundy and white Spyker/Force India cars were sporting 'Fly Kingfisher' logos.