The 2015 season has not had the best of starts for the Force India squad: the introduction of the car was delayed; money is tight to say the least; their owner is in hot water with the authorities.
Sahara Force India 2015 Preview
The Silverstone squad were the first to launch for the new season: the car turned out to be just a new livery on the old car. Rumours of lack of funds and that the car’s first appearance on the track would be delayed were rife. It was soon confirmed that the team would not make the first test and this was confirmed by Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz that it was due to lack of funds and having no ‘pay driver’ to fill the seat.
Eventually the news broke that the VJM08 had run into delays and would only make the second test in Barcelona, but they would turn up to the first test with the VJM07. What shocked the paddock was that it was Mercedes test driver Pascal Wherlein and not their race drivers Nico Hulkenberg or Sergio Perez. Albeit for one day Perez had to be quickly drafted in after Pascal had to go back to Mercedes due to Lewis Hamilton’s feeling under the weather.
The VJM08 finally made an appearance for three days in the final test with Hulkenberg and Perez finally getting more time behind the wheel, but its reliability was impressive, racking up 362 laps. When one compares this with McLaren’s 380 laps across twelve days, one quickly realises how impressive their performance was in those three days. Where they may end up in the pecking order is hard to say, but no doubt they will be always trying to punch above their weight.
Finishing sixth just behind McLaren in the Constructors’ in 2014 was just short of what they were aiming for; with the 2015 season just around the corner Force India will be keen to do better than that sixth place, and McLaren will be in their sights once more.
Bob Fernley, deputy team principal, has said that despite the issues with a delayed launch of the VJM08 they are still optimistic about their chances, he also said that it might be a slow start to the season but they plan to really kick on in the second half of the season.
Hulkenberg and Perez will also been keen to show that they are worthy drivers compared to the elite, but will the car and team deliver to showcase their talents? Time will tell. With talk in the paddock of money issues already for a few teams and with the new season not even having started, it could yet be a very long season but I hope you’ll join me in wishing them the best of luck.
