Force India targets mid-season with VJM08 ‘B’ car upgrade
Force India is developing a major update to its VJM08 Formula One car, aiming for a mid-2015 debut after early-season struggles and a winter of delays.
Force India is working on a heavily revised ‘B’ version of its VJM08 Formula One car, targeting a debut around the midpoint of the 2015 season. The Silverstone-based team’s start to the year has been hampered by late car development and missed pre-season testing, leaving it struggling for pace in the opening races.
The team’s winter was disrupted by delays in the VJM08’s build and a move of its wind tunnel programme from Brackley to Toyota’s advanced facility in Cologne. According to deputy team principal Bob Fernley, the transition set development back, and Force India does not expect to be competitive until the new specification car arrives.
Delayed debut for the VJM08B
Force India originally hoped to introduce the upgraded car at the Monaco Grand Prix in May. However, recent indications are that the revised VJM08B will not appear until the Austrian Grand Prix in late June. The team is using the early rounds to gather data and maintain reliability, but does not expect a jump in competitiveness until the new car is ready.
Team principal Vijay Mallya has acknowledged the VJM08’s strong reliability but admits there is considerable ground to make up in performance. The team is focused on scoring points where possible in the opening races, while development continues on the B-spec chassis.
Why Force India needs a ‘B’ car
Force India’s early-season difficulties stem from a compressed build schedule and the late switch to a new wind tunnel. The team believes the VJM08B will address aerodynamic and mechanical weaknesses exposed during the first races. Until then, Force India is relying on operational consistency and reliability to stay in the points.
