(L to R): Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Force India F1, Dr. Vijay Mallya (IND) Force India Formula One Team Owner and Sergio Perez (MEX) Force India at the Sahara Force India 2015 Team Launch, Museo Soumaya, Mexico City, Mexico, 21 January 2015. ©Force India
The revised colour scheme, which was unveiled by Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg at a special launch in Mexico City on Wednesday, was presented on an old car following the team’s decision to delay the introduction of the new VJM08 until the second pre-season test of the year.
Speaking about the new livery, which incorporates silver for the first time, team principal Dr Vijay Mallya said: “It’s another evolution of the contemporary look we introduced last year, which reflects the growth of the team and the global brands with which we are working.
“I love the addition of silver, which makes the car appear more sleek and aggressive and I’m sure it’s something that will appeal to the fans as well. Our traditional team colours remain integrated in the livery, but we’ve given it a very modern twist.”
Although their new car wasn’t present at the livery launch, Force India say that the VJM08 is an evolution of the VJM07 which will be used at the opening test of the year in Jerez and carried the team to sixth in the 2014 constructors’ standings.
However, according to technical director Andrew Green, changes will be noticeable at the front end of the Mercedes-powered machine: “The front of the car looks very different from what we had developed previously,” he said. “It is a redesign that involved a lot of work over the winter, as the new regulations caused a loss in terms of downforce and we’ve been working to claw back all that performance.”
The VJM08 will also feature other more subtle changes, including modified sculpting of the sidepods and new cooling intakes. Underneath the bodywork, meanwhile, there will be a completely new rear suspension layout with a new hydro-mechanical system replacing the original torsion springs.