Force India reveals its new VJM02 for 2009

The first images of Force India’s VJM02 have been released ahead of its scheduled track debut in Jerez tomorrow.

The VJM02 marks the beginning of Force India’s new technical collaboration with McLaren-Mercedes, which provides the car’s engine, gearbox, and KERS.

Photos of the Force India VJM-02 + Drivers + Helmets

The car is different compared to last year’s in terms of its colors, as the green, white, and orange, colors of the Indian flag, significantly dominate. The VJM02 has already undergone a test at Silverstone earlier this week.

After a frustrating 2008 season in which Force India failed to score any points, the team hopes that its collaboration with McLaren-Mercedes will lead to significant progress over the next two years.

My desire to win races will, I hope, be fulfilled in 2010, but not in 2009, I think. I would be happy if we are regularly in the points, co-owner Vijay Mallya said at the announcement of the partnership with McLaren-Mercedes last November.

« That would already be a big step forward. »

Adrian Sutil has taken an important place within the team both with former technical director Mike Gascoyne and team principal Colin Kolles. Both were let go in 2008. Mark Smith and James Key are now in charge of car design, while Simon Roberts has become chief operating officer with respect to McLaren.

Finally, Force India retained its 2008 driver lineup, with Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil racing and Vitantonio Liuzzi as the reserve driver.

Photos of the Force India VJM-02 + Drivers + Helmets

Photos of the Force India VJM-02 in Shakedown at Silverstone