2012 Force India F1 car (VJM05)

At a small launch event in Silverstone, Sahara Force India have today revealed their 2012 Formula One car, named the VJM05. The new car, to be driven by Paul Di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg features a crocodile nose similar to the Caterham CT-01.

The new VJMO5 will have a Mercedes engine and like the rest of the grid, they also had to make changes for the new regulations. The gearbox for Force India comes from McLaren Applied Technologies. The team will continue to us the Mercedes KERS and Green said, “It was as close to a seamless integration as you could want. It’s a fantastic system, and we’re very happy with it. There are little detail changes, but essentially it’s the same package.”

“Seeing the new car built and complete for the first time is always an exciting moment,” said Di Resta. “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.”

Hulkenberg, who was the team’s third driver in 2011, added: “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.