Former Force India mainstay Bob Fernley has died

It is a figure in the world of motor racing who has left us. Vijay Mallya’s former right-hand man at Force India, Robert « Bob » Fernley, has died aged 70.

Involved in the Ensign team, which officiated in Formula 1 between 1973 and 1982, as well as in IndyCar, Fernley is best known for the decade he spent at Force India between 2008 and 2018.

Close to Vijay Mallya, he was part of the adventure when Spyker (ex-Jordan and Midland) was bought out at the end of 2007 by the Indian businessman. Mallya’s deputy team principal, Fernley gradually rose to prominence as the « King of Good Times » (Mallya’s nickname) suffered repeated setbacks with the justice system in his country.

In 2018, after Force India was taken over by Lawrence Stroll’s Racing Point consortium, Fernley left the Silverstone-based structure and headed for McLaren where he briefly managed the British manufacturer’s entry to the 2019 Indianapolis 500 Miles. the non-qualification of Fernando Alonso in the legendary event that year, Fernley’s contract was not renewed.

He returned to the FIA ​​at the end of 2020, where he succeeded Stefano Domenicali as head of the Single-seater commission.

 » It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Bob Fernley.commented the boss of F1. He played an important role in Formula 1 and his love and passion for this sport will live on forever. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. »

The entire editorial staff of AUTOweekly sends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Bob Fernley.