After announcing a solid fully talented 2011 lineup that includes Paul di Resta, Adrian Sutin and Nico Hulkenberg, Force India launched studio photoshoots of its 2011 car, the VJM-04, hoping to finish in a better position in the constructor's championship after 2010 season 7th position behind Williams Grand Prix. VJM-04 is designed by Andrew Green, who 20 years ago was Gary Anderson's right-hand man on the Jordan 191, and has since worked at BAR and RBR.
Force India is powered once more with a Mercedes engine and McLaren hydraulics package. Among the designing novelties are a blade-style rollhoop/airbox arrangement that was pioneered by Merceded without further evolution or adoption.
Vijay Mallya commented:
"This year there is even more to be optimistic about. We've got three race drivers that are hungry to take the next steps in their careers, whether that be points, podiums or wins. We have an experienced technical team that have the ingenuity, flexibility and drive to adapt to the new wave of rule changes, and we also have the tools and resources in our partnerships with McLaren Applied Technologies and Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines to aim even higher.
Not to mention the very special event, and one that I personally can't wait for, the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. What better place would there be to reach some of those aims than on our home soil?"
VJM-04 designer, Andrew Green commented:
"Everything is different, but visually a lot of it is subtle. The most obvious visual change is that we've gone away from a conventional roll-hoop to a blade. This gives us a small packaging improvement compared to a more conventional style. The engine cover is different, in-line with the abolition of the F-duct system. But there are a lot of differences under the skin that people won't necessarily notice."
Adrian Sutil, who finished 11th in the 2010 Drivers' standings with 47 points, hopes they'll be able to challenge for a podium finish.
"We need to be in the points regularly and at times challenging for the podium. I'm really confident we can do it. Last year we started the season really strongly and I was qualifying in the top 10 at most races and regularly scoring points before the summer break, but then the second part of the year was a bit more challenging. We were still developing but the other teams had a quicker development rate, which meant we dropped some points.
It's something we've worked really hard to address this year, tieing everything in together with regards the wind tunnel, track work and the design process back in the factory. We've got targets to finish at least one spot higher than last year so consistency has got to be key. As for podiums, why not - we should certainly be in the mix at some races.
I'm genuinely excited about the 2011 season. I just missed out on the top 10 last year in the Drivers' standings - I'm pretty hopeful I can get in there this season! The progress the team has shown over the past two years has been very impressive and what I've seen in the factory and at the wind tunnel over the past weeks indicates that the rate will continue this year. I feel very good and confident; the team and I know each other very well and we know how to get the most from each other."
His new team-mate Paul di Resta hopes to be consistent during his debut season in F1.
"I don't want to say exact targets on record as there are so many factors that can come into play. What I do want to do is to have a positive approach, finish, be consistent and contribute strongly to the team's overall performance. We've got high aims of finishing in a good Constructors' Championship position and I know that I've got to play my part in this."
