Force India (F1 Preview)

Ever since they arrived in 2008 Force India has been making its way up the order. They have climbed from 10^th in their first ever season in F1 to 6^th place in the manufacturers’ standings last year and 2012 they want to capture at least fifth place. These results are the result of a successful partnership between the team and McLaren.

Last year the team ended on high, as the fifth faster team, behind the ‘big four’ teams, when Adrian Sutil cruised into an extraordinary sixth place finish in the season ending Brazilian GP.

Paul di Resta was a very impressive rookie, especially if you take in consideration that he came from DTM and that he hadn’t driven a single seater in five years. Is calm, classy and reliable driving made him take eight points finishes and complete more racing laps in 2011 than anyone else on the grid.

Given a seat, after one season as test driver for the team, Hulkenberg is returning to F1 spotlights. He first attempted success in F1 with Williams, but the journey wasn’t as successful as it was in A1GP, the F3 Euro Series and GP2. Tagged as the “new Schumacher”, Hulkenberg will be wanting to prove his credentials in a very bold and ambitious team.

The VJM05 is the fifth car of the Indian team on F1 and it was unveiled this morning at Silverstone by the hand of Paul di Resta, Nico Hulkenberg and reserve driver Jules Bianchi.

It is the first time ever that Force India will have its car ready for the first pre-season practice of the year, since Vijay Mallya bought the Spyker team.

Powered by a Mercedes engine the VJM05 features a nose which is similar to the one shown a few days ago by Caterham. Changes from last year’s car can be spotted on the sidepods, heavily revised because of the new exhaust rules, and on the missing 'blade' style rollhoop design.

Quotes:

Paul Di Resta

“Seeing the new car built and complete for the first time is always an exciting moment. It’s when you realise that all the waiting is finally over and the season is beginning for real. I’ve had a good winter and I’ve recharged my batteries, but now I’m fully focussed on 2012 and looking forward to the start of testing. There’s a really positive feeling in the team, good stability and hopefully we can pick up where we left off at the end of last year.”

Nico Hulkenberg

“I saw the new car in the wind tunnel a few times and followed its progress during the winter. It looks aggressive and fast, but we won’t know where we stand until we get out there and compete against the others. Preparations for the new season have been full-on with simulator sessions and lots of fitness training. I feel ready to get back to racing and I’m excited to find out what the new car feels like next week.”