Force India F1
| Based in: Dadford Road, Silverstone, Northamptonshire, UK Founded: 2007 Website: http://www.forceindiaf1.com/ Team principal: Colin Kolles (2008) Technical director: James Key Chief Technical Officer: Mike Gascoyne (2008) Design Director: Mark Smith |  |
Dr. Vijay Mallya together with the Mol family (headed by Michiel Mol) has established a joint-venture company called Orange India Holdings (OIH). The deal was reported to be worth around €88 million. OIH acquired Spyker Cars N.V formerly Midland F1 Racing and before that Jordan Grand Prix in Ocober 2007.
Under impulse of the new money, the team was quickly restructured. Over the winter, several drivers were also allowed to test while the name was officially changed to Force India F1. It was eventually decided that Adrian Sutil and F1 veteran Giancarlo Fisichella would run the cars in what proved to be a hard fought 2008. Even though the team introduced several aerodynamic upgrades and developed its own seamless shift gearbox, they were consistently at the back of the grid.
By the end of a pointless 2008, Mallya grew tired of the situation and again decided to restructure the team, attempting to improve its performance and overcome the regulation changes for 2009. Therefore, the team ended the engine contract with Ferrari and agreed a deal with McLaren for an engine, transmission and KERS system. At the same time it was announced that Kolles and Gascoyne would leave the team, in favour of McLaren technical support.
Cars
| Car designation | Race years |
|---|---|
| Force India F1 VJM-01 | 2008 |
| Force India F1 VJM02 | 2009 |
