The move is seen as a major step forward in Mallya's intentions for his squad – which he is seeking to turn into 'a Formula 1 force in, and for, India' – and the 52-year-old was quick to express his enthusiasm for the new relationship.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce a technical partnership with McLaren Applied Technologies and Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines,” he underlined, “and also our plan to expand the composite manufacturing capability and drawing office within our Silverstone facility.

“McLaren and Mercedes-Benz are two of the most famous names in motorsport history, having achieved great success in grand prix racing over many years and, most recently, a superb victory in probably the most dramatic world championship Formula 1 has seen.

“These new resources and developments will provide an enormous boost to our technical armoury and, as a result, we have high hopes of making good progress in 2009 and beyond.

“Force India has been in existence for only one year, and inevitably our first season has constituted a learning period – but we said at the outset that we meant business and were not interested in merely making up the numbers.

“The announcement of our new technical partnership, combined with the new developments and resources outlined above, clearly underlines that we meant what we said. I would like personally to thank Bernie Ecclestone and FIA President Max Mosley, both of whom offered their assistance and support throughout the gestation of this deal.

“Interest in Formula 1 in India, especially among the 300 million-plus professional-class demographic as well as in neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Abu Dhabi with a large Indian population, is growing at astonishing levels.

“Formula 1 commercial rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone has declared plans to stage an Indian Grand Prix in 2011, in Delhi, our capital city, by which time the Force India Formula 1 team will be exactly that – a Formula 1 force in, and for, India.”