Force India caught up in race fixing allegations

The Times newspaper has today claimed to hold radio evidence of Force India fixing a race at the recent Japanese Grand Prix. The 128 second recording hears Force India prinicipal Dharmesh Shikinder asking driver Nathan Jefferies to "cause an accident in which the safety car can be released". Although the quote didn't come across as an order, Jefferies stayed silent on the radio, but minutes later Jefferies had collided with the pit lane entrance. The Brit said after the race that his race was brought to a premature end because of indecision of whether to pit for new tyres or to stay out on track.

The crash has raised eyebrows from other drivers in the race claiming that the timing of the incident, especially given the rarity of Jefferies getting caught up in accidents. Teammate Louth was in 1st in the closing stages at Suzuka, but with a pit stop looking likely, 2nd looked the most likely finishing position for him. Losing ground in a title battle, the theory seems to be that the team were desperate and capable of doing anything and everything they could to help their driver close the gap to the top of the drivers championship standings.

These damaging reports have came after a successful season for the Indian team, claiming their first constructors title since they began in the sport five years ago.