Force India VJM04 unveiled online today
The new Force India Mercedes VJM04 has been launched by the Silverstone team on Tuesday, 08th Feb, 2011. The scheduled time for launch was 19:30 hrs IST but the launch was delayed few minutes due to some technical problems on their website.
The Force India F1 team became the second outfit to utilize a blade-style roll hoop design in 2011.
The outfit opted to use its 2010 car during the first pre-season test at Valencia last week where they gathered a lot of data about the Pirelli tyres, but will give its new challenger a first run at the Jerez test that starts on Thursday.
As well as the roll hoop design, which is similar to that used on the Team Lotus car, the new car features undercut sidepods and an intricate front-wing concept.
The car features much the same sponsorship as last season, with the addition of Vladivar and some direct badging for Mallya’s United Breweries (UB).
Vladivar is a vodka brand which is owned by Whyte and Mackay, which in turn is owned by UB.
Notable Changes in VJM04
* KERS package was well operationalized, Incorporating the Mercedes.
* There were very few compromises in the chasis.
* Adjustable Front wing and use of Pirelli Tyres.
Q&A's with team drivers Adrian Sutil, Paul Di Resta, Nico Hulkenberg (Reserve and Third Driver) and Chief Operating Officer of the team.
To Adrian, Lot of changes this year with KERS, adjustable front wing. Do you think how this change effect the team?
Adrian said, "Ya, KERS is good system. It look competitive. Lot of things to test first with the new development. These changes will increase overtaking during racing."
To Paul, What are your expectations?
Paul said, "Progressing from the reserve driver last year, I will try to do the best. I will continue the progress this year. It is very difficult to predict the season. I need to be very positive and there is lot of work to do."
To Nico, What were your impression for Force India when you tested for the team in Valencia?
Nico said, "It was very positive first impression. Gathering a lot of data for Pirelli tyres in the VJM03. It feels great and I am hungry for more.
"I will be with the team during the race weekends. Driving during the Friday 1st Practice sessions. Lot of work in the simulator."
The Front Row Contest winners Questions:
Paul, All eyes on you as being promoted to Main driver for Force India.
Paul said, "Force India gave me a good opportunity last year. I need to work hard. First race in Bahrain Grand Prix must be smooth and really need to know how it advance."
"Ofcourse I feel pressure as a driver while racing. And there will be 1st Indian Grand Prix also. Eying for a better finish at India GP.
Adrian, with more buttons for Kers and adjustable front wing, there must be a lot of extra work to do in races like Monaco?
Adrian Said, "Ya, there will be extra work in the cockpit. In Monaco GP, there are lots of corner and lot of work to do. Every lap and at every corner we have to work. But In Spa, it is more straight. So We have to adapt to it. With time, it become normal thing to do. Just don't think about it."
CFO, Do you think the team will be more competitive even when top staff leaving and only with current staff?
CFO said, "We have technical staff in depth. Lot of them have been promoted. We have increased our Aerodynamics. We have 24x7 running wind tunnel now. We have also added team. We will be able to compete. It is never good to loose the top team. But still we will be improving."
Nico, last year you were main driver, and now as a reserve drive. How do you feel?
Nico said, " Obviously one cry eye not to drive. But it is good to be that I am in F1, driving for first practice session. I will work hard and come back to racing next year."
"Experience with two teams is also very positive. Got to know how they work. I am happy with the team and want to maintain good relation with the team."
Adrian, How do you see the progress of the team since 2007?
Adrian said, "Big Progress! We started in 2007, structure the whole team. VJ take over, Staff become concentrated. We worked a lot. Mclaren Partnering is important for us. It gave us real strength and all this work as a key for our progress."
On Pirelli Tyres, Paul said, "Pirelli did much better than people predicted. Team is getting better and better with tyres." Nico said, "More pit stop then one due to tyre degradation. It will increase competition."
Adrian, Are you good in tyre managing?
Adrian said, " Yes, I can handle it definitely. First experience with the tyre, it drop off very quickly."
CFO, How realistic in competition with Williams, Lotus, Renault?
CFO said, "Last season, Williams beat us by 1 point only. Renault were bit ahead of us. So our objective will be to beat Williams and much more competitive with Renault."
Adrian said, "Our main competition is Renault. We want to be Top 5. For that, we have to beat one of the factory team. Personally, I wanted to be in Top 10, So I cant really mention which driver I am concentrating on, but it will be all the drivers."
Finally, What are your targets for 2011 season?
Paul said, "Definitely, to enjoy this season. It will be a huge step. Lot of work to do. And equally my standing in the drivers."
Adrian said, "To clear the Top 10 again. Same point with the Rubens at 11th. So it hurt. So definitely work for Top 10. As for the Team, it must be Top 5 in constructors."
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