The India n F1 team Force India has published that Ian Phillips, Director of Business relationships, is exiting the group with which he has worked for the past two decades. The Englishman began his association with the Silverstone-based group, under its original appearance as Jordan Grand Prix, three years before its Formula 1 debut. Having been one of the members of the original Jordan team which moved up to F1 for the start of the 1993 season, Phillips has since remained with the squad through its phases as Midland and Spyker as well as Force India.He has been accountable for sponsorship gaining as well as talks with governing body the FIA and marketable rights holder FOM. In his time with the team, Ian has also overseen the signings of over 50 drivers. Having been the youngest ever editor of Auto sport magazine in 1973, Phillips joined Donington Park as Circuit Manager three years afterward to assist in the re-opening of the Derbyshire venue. The next move was in order to become administrator of the Gunnar Nilsson Cancer Treatment fund, named after the Swedish driver and close friend who lost his life to the sickness.
Ian Phillips has since worked as a freelance reporter as well as on behalf of companies including March Engineering, Marlboro and Bridgestone in Formula 2. He then became Team Manager of March, having been contacted by founder Robin Herd, remaining at the squad as it became Leyton House in 1989. Having moved to Jordan as Commercial Manager for 1990, Ian's voice has also become recognizable with F1 fans in recent years courtesy of his comments roles for BBC Radio 5 live alongside Maurice Hamilton. 'The team would like to wish Ian every success in his future endeavors,’ concludes Force India's Friday declaration.
