Ferrari are adamant they are not courting political controversy by carrying a flag of the Italian navy on their cars throughout this weekend's Indian Grand Prix.
Two members of the Italian navy’s vessel protectionu00a0department are currently awaiting trial following the death of two Indian fishermen in February.
As part of a detachment serving on board oil tanker Enrica Lexie, it is alleged by Indian authorities that the two marines shot and killed the fishermen in waters off the coast of southern India, believing them to be pirates.
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The incident sparked a major diplomatic row between Italy and India, the subject of which has been raised this week in light of Ferrari’s statement posted on their website.
In sporting the flag on top of the chassis the team state: “Ferrari pays tribute to one of the outstanding entities of our country, also in the hope that the Indian and Italian authorities will soon find a solution to the situation currently involving two sailors from the Italian navy.”
The statement is carefully worded because it is not showing support to the two Italian sailors, but simply declaring hope of a resolution.
Speaking to Italian network SKY Tg24, Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo said: “It is the contribution that Ferrari can make to this story.”u00a0Italy’s foreign minister Giulio Terzi added: “It shows the support of the whole country for our sailors.”
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