Launch of VJM02, Force India cannot afford any mistakes

Force India maintains the goal of having its new Mercedes-Benz-powered single-seater ready for the first test session in March.

The team based in Silverstone has been working tirelessly since the end of last season to design its new car, the VJM02, adapted to its new engine supplier and its new McLaren-made gearboxes.

The new late contract with the British team required Force India to strengthen its efforts. The technical director of the Indian team, James Key, claims that the work is progressing well enough for a track debut, as planned, in Jerez the first week of March.

« The schedule is obviously very tight with everything we have to do, » he stated on his official website. « But the goal is to participate in the last two tests before the start of the season with the official car. » These tests will take place in the first half of March between Jerez and Barcelona before it’s time to fly to Australia.

According to Key, the work on the car to transition from Ferrari to Mercedes-Benz has generally been quite straightforward.

Certain areas of the car aligned very well with the new requirements, whereas in other areas, there were significant differences, he explained. Indeed, we had to rethink the car a bit.

« McLaren is a great team because they understand that we had a lot of work to accomplish in a short amount of time. We had many meetings, and discussions are taking place day by day about the gearbox and all the associated parts. »

« The new engine manufacturer, Mercedes, has been very welcoming. Everyone helped us as much as possible. The start of this collaboration began in the best possible way. »