The expected confirmation of the Force India-Mclaren Mercedes deal came this morning with an announcement that the new car – named VJM02 – will be powered by Mercedes Benz and run with a KERS system and other parts supplied by McLaren, including a full gearbox and hydraulic system.
It can also be revealed that the new CEO of the Force India team will be Simon Roberts, currently Director of Racing Operations at Mclaren, an appointment that we can assume has been requested by McLaren Mercedes.
A statement from Vijay Mallya read:
"We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce a technical partnership with McLaren Applied Technologies and Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines, and also our plan to expand the composite manufacturing capability and drawing office within our Silverstone facility.
"McLaren and Mercedes-Benz are two of the most famous names in motor sport history having achieved superb success in Grand Prix racing over many years, and most recently, a superb victory in probably the most dramatic world championship Formula One has seen.
"Force India Formula One team has been in existence for only one year, and inevitably our first season has constituted a learning period. But we said at the outset that we meant business and were not interested in merely making up the numbers.
"The announcement of our new technical partnership, combined with the new developments and resources clearly underlines that we meant what we said. I would personally like to thank Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Max Mosley, both of whom offered their assistance and support throughout the gestation of this deal."
The deal stops a little short of what many had expected – a full chassis supplied by McLaren – although the technical partnership is such that the VJM02 will resemble the new McLaren MP4-24 very closely.
Written: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:36:04
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