Vijay Mallya to make public appearance on 8 July in UK

Vijay Mallya, who has been declared as a proclaimed offender by a Mumbai Court, is set to make a rare public appearance in the United Kingdom on 8 July.

Mallya is scheduled to attend the team bosses press conference ahead of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix even as creditors in India have been trying to recover dues of Rs 9000 crore owed by his long-grounded Kingfisher Airlines.

It will be the first time this season that Force India boss Mallya will be seen in the paddock. Mallya is scheduled to address the press conference alongside fellow team principals Maurizio Arrivabene (Ferrari), Eric Boullier (McLaren), Dave Ryan (Manor), Claire Williams (Williams) and Toto Wolff (Mercedes).

The liquor baron is going through tough times but his team Force India has had a successful season so far.

Sergio Perez's third place finish in Monaco and Baku helped the team record two podiums in a season for the first time.

Force India, who had a forgettable last race in Austria, remain in the fifth place with 59 points are aiming to catch up Williams, who are fourth with 92 points.

The British Grand Prix is considered a home race for Force India, whose factory is a stone's throw away from the circuit.

Mallya was also spotted at a book launch event at London School of Economics last month. However, the MEA clarified that Mallya was not an invitee at the event in London attended by the Indian High Commissioner.

--PTI