Force India confirms its contract with Mercedes

Force India confirmed a technical partnership agreement with McLaren-Mercedes for the 2009 season.

The multi-year project will see the VJMO2 equipped with Mercedes engines, as well as the gearbox and the already famous KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems). The car will also feature hydraulic systems from the British team for a signed duration of 5 years.

« We are absolutely delighted to announce a technical partnership with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz. This plan aims to develop the manufacturing and design of our Silverstone base, » said the chairman and managing director of Force India, Vijay Mallya.

« McLaren and Mercedes-Benz are two of the biggest names in the history of motorsport, having achieved, for many years, great successes in Grand Prix and, more recently, a superb victory in the Formula 1 World Championship. »

« Force India is a recent team since it is only one year old and inevitably our first season was synonymous with learning, » he continued.

« The announcement of our new technical partnership, combined with new developments and resources, clearly underscores our intentions. I would like to personally thank Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley, who have offered us their help and support throughout the establishment of this agreement. »

Mallya believes that this commitment will allow the Indian team to raise its level of play in 2009 after a 2008 season in which it finished 10th in the Constructors’ World Championship without a single point.