Force India’s new Formula 1 car is now unlikely to run until the final Barcelona test later this month. The Silverstone-based team has already missed this week’s running at Jerez, having originally only planned to launch the VJM08 at the next test at Barcelona. However, with the team falling behind schedule with getting the car ready, deputy team principal Bob Fernley has revealed that now looks set to only make it out on track for the final pre-season test that begins on Feb. 26.
“Given the workload and timescales involved, it’s now looking more difficult to make the first Barcelona test,” he told AUTOSPORT. “Everybody is pushing to try to make it happen, but it’s far more likely the VJM08 will run at the final Barcelona test at the end of February.
“That means we will use the 2014 car at the next test. The mileage on the VJM07 will still allow us to run with the 2015 Pirelli compounds.”
Despite doubts over when its new car will be ready, Fernley has made it clear that the car is in no danger of missing the first race.
“We will be in Melbourne for the start of the season, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “Yes, testing time with the new car will have been limited, but we are doing everything possible to make sure we arrive in Australia in reasonable shape and with as many miles on the car as possible.”
PRODUCTION DELAYS TO BLAME
Fernley has admitted that issues with suppliers have complicated matters for the team, but he denied recent reports that it is still without its final chassis.
“It’s true to say that expenditure is at its highest at this time of year and we are reliant on a large number of suppliers,” he said. “Although there have been some production delays, the chassis is delivered and going through the various preparation stages.
“We are still awaiting delivery of some 2015 components, but we have commenced the car build process.”