Ferrari says its decision to put Italian naval flags on its cars at the Indian Grand Prix has nothing to do with politics after it was dragged into a diplomatic row with the host government.
Two Italian navy personnel were held in India in March, and later bailed, following the fatal shooting of two fishermen mistaken for pirates trying to attack an oil tanker the marines were protecting.
The marines, who have been told not to leave India, are still awaiting the outcome of a case that has become a stumbling block in ties between the two countries.
“With all the respect due to the Indian authorities, Ferrari wishes to make it clear that this initiative does not have, nor should it be seen as having, any political implication,” the team said in a statement.u00a0
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