"Trying to reach out to India's youth by encouraging participation in and the temptation of winning a title in a series that does not even begin to compare with GP2 or
F1 is just promoting mediocrity amongst young Indians who aspire to be World Class.
"This, indeed, is a wrong message which seems to be an act of desperation given the huge and growing support for
Formula One and the
Force India Formula One team.
"I am sure that Indians could win so-called World titles at B or C grade levels of any sport quite easily but competing at the very highest international level is not only a matter of pride but proves a Nation's ability to participate and do so.
"The Force India Formula One Team is the first-ever Indian entry in the
FIA World Championship and has harnessed international resources. This cannot be commented upon as being negative given that the Indian National Cricket Team has long had foreign coaches, the best of Indian Technology Companies have harnessed international resources and the much celebrated Tata Nano car has imported components.
"For that matter the World Champion
Ferrari Formula One Team has Brazilian and Finnish drivers and is no less Italian in the process!"
Mallya added that he didn't feel Teixeira was qualified enough to comment about Indian youth and said he had no intention of providing false pretences to young Indians taking an interest in
Formula 1.
"I question Mr Teixiera's competence in speaking about the aspirations of our Indian youth and what message should be sent to them in the context of Motorsport," he said. "Perhaps I should remind Mr Teixiera that my companies reach out to hundreds of millions of Indians each day through our products and services and we are not only better informed but equipped to meet the aspirations of our youth. And I certainly will not tempt them with mediocrity or false pretences.
