New Delhi has disapproved of Formula One team Ferrari's decision to race with the Italian navy flag on their cars at Indian Grand Prix as a gesture of solidarity towards its marines facing trial in India over murder charges.

Talking to the media in New Delhi on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, using sporting events to promote cause which are not of a sporting nature is not in keeping with the spirit of sports.

AIR Correspondent reports, Ferrari had created a flutter by announcing that it will show its support for Italian sailors by racing with military symbols on livery of its cars at the second edition of the Indian Grand Prix which began on Friday at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida.
The two Italian marines were detained over charges of shooting two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala in February this year. Later on, they were granted bail in June on the condition that they must not leave India.