FORMULA ONE 2009: FORCE INDIA VJM02 MAKES OFFICIAL DEBUT
Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal of Force India, is confident this year’s challenger will be the one to bring increased success to his young team after a frustrating points-free debut season, ‘To be brutally honest, I would not be happy if we didn’t show some much improved, and much needed, performance this season.
Force India has given the first look at of its revised car livery for 2009, revealing a much greener theme for the latest race car.
The VJM02, to be driven by Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and Germany’s Adrian Sutil, is one of the last of the new cars to emerge and will get only limited testing with the season starting in Australia on March 29.
FORMULA ONE 2009: FORCE INDIA VJM02 MAKES OFFICIAL DEBUT
Differences to the 2008 car include a green nose, more prominent use of gold on the main chassis and white sidepods instead of the former car’s red ones. Moreover, both the front and rear wings are white, no longer incandescent red, which last year often led to the car being confused for McLaren’s.
The VJM02 represents a radical departure from the design ethos of its predecessor, the VJM01. This year’s contender will incorporate a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine and McLaren gearbox, thanks to a new partnership forged in November 2008 between McLaren, Mercedes and Silverstone-based Force India.
FORMULA ONE 2009: FORCE INDIA VJM02 MAKES OFFICIAL DEBUT
Fundamental changes in the technical regulations, meanwhile, have led to a major overhaul of aerodynamics, the optional addition of KERS and a compulsory return to ungrooved ‘slick’ Bridgestone Potenza tyres.
The VJM02 has been designed in-house at the team’s UK facility by a tight-knit unit led by design director Mark Smith and technical director James Key, who have in turn been supported by a small team spear-headed by 2009 project leader Ian Hall.
Team owner Vijay Mallya has also operated several changes in terms of team management, following Force India’s poor performances in 2008. Mallya has taken full control of the team through the winter, with Simon Roberts as new the CEO.
FORMULA ONE 2009: FORCE INDIA VJM02 MAKES OFFICIAL DEBUT
Jom komen!