INDIA in F1

Tag: formula 1

  • Mercedes AMG Petronas completes first day of running 2015 F1 Wo6 hybrid car

    Silverstone,

    Mercedes AMG Petronas image of F1 W06 at Silverstone on Thursday 29Jan2015.
    Mercedes AMG Petronas image of F1 W06 at Silverstone on Thursday 29Jan2015.

    29 Jan 2015: MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS today completed a first day of running with its 2015 specification Formula One car during a Promotional Event at Silverstone. 

    The F1 W06 Hybrid, powered by the PU106B Hybrid Power Unit, first departed the garage at 13:13 this afternoon in icy conditions at the Northamptonshire circuit.

    Driven first by Nico Rosberg, then Lewis Hamilton, the car completed a total of 18 laps (47.2 km) before a blizzard brought filming to a halt.

    The team will now ready the F1 W06 Hybrid for its public track debut in Jerez on Sunday 1 February.

    eom/Mercedes AMG Petronas release

  • E23 Hybrid represents a new era for Lotus F1 team

    Lotus E23 26jan2015 Pic2 Lotus F1 teamEnstone (UK), 26 Jan 2015: Lotus F1 team revealed the 2015 E23 Hybrid and Mathew Carter, Lotus F1 team CEO said: “The E23 Hybrid represents a new era for Lotus F1 Team, not only in the change to a Mercedes Benz Power Unit, but also it is the fruition of a busy winter behind the scenes. Improvements within our Design, Aero and Simulation departments have all contributed to the development of a car which is a huge step forward. As a team we are confident that the new car coupled with additions to the Race team will enable a huge leap forward and we are full of optimism going into the new season. It is time to put the disappointment of last season behind us and benefit from 12 months of hard work; we are ready to return to our rightful place at the pinnacle of the sport.”

    “The E23 Hybrid represents a massive step forward for us. It’s no secret that we struggled with last year’s car so we’ve targeted every area that caused us an issue. We’ve made strong progress in the wind tunnel as well as in areas such as packaging and cooling, saidNick Chester, Lotus F1 team Technical Director. “We expect the E23 to perform far, far better than its predecessor. In terms of what’s new, obviously a massive change for us is a new Power Unit supplier. We made this change as it looked and looks to be the one area of the car which could bring us the greatest performance gain. It’s not just performance, but reliability and driveability as well as packaging and cooling too. The E22 did deliver good figures in the wind tunnel, even if it was difficult to unlock its potential, so we’ve paid more attention to making the characteristics of the car more adaptable. In terms of the suspension, we were delivered something of a blow last year when the front-rear interconnected suspension was outlawed mid-season. The E23’s suspension design is specific to the updated regulations so we’re not trying to update a system originally intended to work a different way. We learnt a lot in many areas of the car over the course of 2014 so there are many lessons which have been applied. We know we’ve made a big step. We won’t know how our car will fare in relative terms until we’re out in action at a Grand Prix, but we certainly expect to be much more competitive than last year,” he added.

    A Lotus F1 team image
    A Lotus F1 team image

     

  • Inter begins partnership with Sahara Force India

    23 Jan 2015: Sahara Force India is delighted to announce the launch of a new partnership with leading insurance broker Inter. The multi-year deal will see Sahara Force India display Inter’s logos on the front wing of the new VJM08, on the drivers’ suits and on the team gear.

    Inter is major player in the insurance market in Mexico and Latin-America with over 35 years of experience delivering bespoke products to its clients. The asso

    The 2015 Sahara Force India F1 Team livery. Sahara Force India F1 Team Livery Reveal, Soumaya Museum, Mexico City, Mexico. Wednesday 21st January 2015.
    The 2015 Sahara Force India F1 Team livery.
    Sahara Force India F1 Team Livery Reveal, Soumaya Museum, Mexico City, Mexico. Wednesday 21st January 2015.

    ciation with Sahara Force India demonstrates Inter’s desire to continue building its international business base by capitalising on the unique global reach of Formula One.

    Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director of Sahara Force India: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Inter to the Sahara Force India family. This partnership highlights the growing global appeal of our brand, a trend reflected by the interest generated by our team launch in Mexico City. This multi-year deal is another important step in our long-term strategy to continue moving towards the front of the grid.”
     
    Juan Ignacio Casanueva, CEO of Inter: “Inter is committed to the highest standards with both our clients and our partners – a philosophy that is reflected by the approach of Sahara Force India. The way the team has opened up to Mexico in recent years shows how they, too, believe in the strength of this market and in the role the country can play on the world stage. We have a long history of supporting Mexican talent in various categories of motorsport so it’s exciting to partner with a team with a Mexican driver in the year that Formula One returns to Mexico City after a 23-year absence. We are excited to be part of Sahara Force India’s journey and we are looking forward to sharing in the team’s success in the coming seasons.”
     
    ABOUT INTER
    Inter is a Mexican firm with over 35 years of experience that has become the market leader in insurance brokerage in Latin America. It has more than 4,000 corporate customers in over 150 countries. Its business goal is to generate increasing profitability and provide the best brokerage services being an expert in integrated risk consulting.
    Inter is a proud partner of Sahara Force India Formula one Team and looks forward to a great deal of success, both on and off the track.
    eom/Sahara Force India press release

  • 2015 E23 Hybrid represents a new era for Lotus F1 team: Team principal

    Enstone (UK), 26 Jan 2015:

    Lotus F1 Team is proud to present its 2015 challenger; the E23 Hybrid.

    Matthew Carter, Lotus F1 Team CEO:
    “The E23 Hybrid represents a new era for Lotus F1 Team, not only in the change to a Mercedes Benz Power Unit, but also it is the fruition of a busy winter behind the scenes. Improvements within our Design, Aero and Simulation departments have all contributed to the development of a car which is a huge step forward. As a team we are confident that the new car coupled with additions to the Race team will enable a huge leap forward and we are full of optimism going into the new season. It is time to put the disappointment of last season behind us and benefit from 12 months of hard work; we are ready to return to our rightful place at the pinnacle of the sport.”

    Nick Chester, Lotus F1 Team Technical Director:
    “The E23 Hybrid represents a massive step forward for us. It’s no secret that we struggled with last year’s car so we’ve targeted every area that caused us an issue. We’ve made strong progress in the wind tunnel as well as in areas such as packaging and cooling. We expect the E23 to perform far, far better than its predecessor. In terms of what’s new, obviously a massive change for us is a new Power Unit supplier. We made this change as it looked and looks to be the one area of the car which could bring us the greatest performance gain. It’s not just performance, but reliability and driveability as well as packaging and cooling too. The E22 did deliver good figures in the wind tunnel, even if it was difficult to unlock its potential, so we’ve paid more attention to making the characteristics of the car more adaptable. In terms of the suspension, we were delivered something of a blow last year when the front-rear interconnected suspension was outlawed mid-season. The E23’s suspension design is specific to the updated regulations so we’re not trying to update a system originally intended to work a different way. We learnt a lot in many areas of the car over the course of 2014 so there are many lessons which have been applied. We know we’ve made a big step. We won’t know how our car will fare in relative terms until we’re out in action at a Grand Prix, but we certainly expect to be much more competitive than last year.”

    eom/Lotus F1 team release

    Lotus reveals E23. Image courtesy Lotus F1 team
    Lotus reveals E23. Image courtesy Lotus F1 team

     

  • With early start by 1 hour, Sepang set to offer high-octane after-race party


    Sepang (Malaysia), 23 January 2015     – F1 fans and their families will have more to look forward to than just excitement on the track during the 17th edition of the FORMULA 1 PETRONAS MALAYSIA GRAND PRIX, that takes place from the 27thtill 29th March 2015.

    Themed ‘Experience F1 Like Never Before’, the event changes the standard activities that was offered at the circuit in the past with the fun activities for young and the young at heart, making it a wholesome family affair. Visitors will see Sepang, a world class racing circuit, be transformed into a huge entertainment ground dubbed the ‘F1 Carnival’.

    For years, SIC’s CEO Dato’ Razlan Razali, has been mooting the idea to make F1 a carnival that is as exciting on the track as it is off.  In a recent meeting with Formula 1 Chief Executive, Bernie Ecclestone, Dato’ Razlan got the green light to make the upcoming Malaysian leg just that.

    “He (Ecclestone), was open to the ideas we put forth to make the weekend even more exciting, It will have something for everyone, and I assure you it’s going to be spectacular”,

    “What’s more with tickets as low as RM80, we are maintaining our status as the most affordable F1 event on the calendar plus the event starts an hour earlier making it ideal for family fun.” said Dato’ Razlan.

    SIC hosts Round 2 of this season’s 20-round 2015 FIA Formula 1 World Championship from March 27 to 29. Already buzzing with excitement with the return of Honda, movement of the top F1 drivers and the exciting prospect of the youngest rookie in Max Verstappen, the 66th edition of the F1 world championship opens at Albert Park in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix from March 13 to 15.

    The F1 Carnival, has something for everyone, for the adrenaline fueled there is the XTrack-drifting, Go-Cart, for the kids and the kid at heart there is awater course cool zone, the carnival family zone and other fun family affair activities complete with a Ferris wheel, haunted house, carnival games and a relaxing zone where visitors can kick-back and enjoy food and drinks.  The world-class after-race concert will also end the night on a high note.

    “The after-race concert, which will feature multiple Grammy award winnerLenny Kravitz as the main act, will be opened to all ticket holders including the RM80 for free. It will be a healthy event free from alcohol and tobacco; with children to be welcomed as well.  The early start time will also ensure that families can have fun but also leave early,” Dato’ Razlan said

    Targeting an attendance of more than 120,000 for the three-day event, Dato’ Razlan added that the circuit would be going on an aggressive promotional campaign which includes international promotions, domestic road shows, on-ground promotions and including advertising at all touch points including cinemas and the social media.

    “We will have on-ground shout-outs with the SIC Zoomers, which will be visiting no less than 45 key venues around the country bringing great ticket promotions and exciting prizes to be won.  The team will not just provide a sneak preview of what the fans can expect at the event; but fans can also get up close and personal with the latest MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team car the F1 W06 Hybrid.

    “As this year’s race is a family affair, SIC would also be targeting malls and hypermarkets too,” Dato’ Razlan said, adding that the circuit would be working with premier retailer TESCO to run promotions.

    To top things off, one race ticket unleashes more than just the thrill of the race, ticketholders will get to enjoy selected activities and the F1 Carnival at no cost, get entrance to the after race concert and also be rewarded with One Ticket Unlimited which offers a list of discounts and promotions from various retail outlets and brands in Kuala Lumpur.

    Fans can purchase their tickets by visiting SIC Customer Service Centre at the circuit, online at www.sepangcircuit.com or by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 603-8778 2222. Fans can also visit SIC’s promotional booth, currently located at NU Sentral.

    eom/SIC release

    Sepang International Circuit during F1 race in 2014 March. Photo courtesy SIC
    Sepang International Circuit during F1 race in 2014 March. Photo courtesy SIC

  • Season begins for INDIAinF1.com with launch of VJ08 in Mexico City

    Mexico City, 21 Jan 2015: : Sahara Force India launched its 2015 season today offering fans and media a first impression of how the VJM08 will look when it makes its track debut next month. Aspectacular event at the Soumaya museum in Mexico City saw Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg pull back the covers to reveal the team’s fresh new look for 2015.
    The new car livery is guaranteed to get heads turning. The chassis features an elegant combination of silver and black with the team’s traditional colour of orange streaking from the nose cone to the rear of the car in two symmetrical curves.
    Key to the new livery is the introduction of several commercial partners for 2015. Prominent NEC branding appears on the engine cover to signal the beginning of a relationship with the global ICT firm based in Tokyo, Japan. Also on the engine cover are the logos of telecommunications branMotor Racing - Sahara Force India F1 Team Livery Reveal - Mexico City, Mexicods Claro and Telcel as America Movil begins its second season supporting the team.
    Branding from world-famous tequila brand, Jose Cuervo, features on the car’s headrest, while logos from Latin America’s leading insurance broker, Inter, appear on the front wing end plates. Motor oil brand, Quaker State, also partners with the team placing its logos on the rear wing end plates.
    The team is also delighted to extend its partnership with Smirnoff for a second season, in addition to the continuation of long-time partners United Spirits, Kingfisher and Royal Challenge.
    Team Principal, Dr Vijay Mallya, was the first to praise the team’s new livery: “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.”
    With relatively stable technical regulations, the VJM08 has been designed with evolution rather than revolution in mind. The most significant changes from the outside will appear at the front of the car with the lowering of the front of the chassis and nose. “The front of the car looks very different from what we had developed previously,” explains Technical Director Andrew Green. “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 several subtle changes, including modified sculpting of the sidepods and new cooling intakes. Underneath the skin there will be a completely new rear suspension layout with a new hydro-mechanical system replacing the original torsion springs. The VJM08 is expected to make its track testing debut in Barcelona next month with the VJM07 running at the first test in Jerez.

  • Hamilton wins Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, becomes double world champion

    Yas Marina, 23 Nov 2014: British driver Lewis Hamilton wins the season-ending Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a Mercedes to win the Forumala One World Championship drivers’ title and becomes a double world champion under lights on Sunday.

    Lewis does a donut and celebrates the victory lap with the Union flag and waves to the crowd after winning his 33rd Grand Prix. He won 11 races this season and consigned the ridiculous double points rule to history. He became the first non-German driver after Michael Schumacher (2002 and 2004) and Sebastian Vettel (2011, 2013) to win 11 races in a season. He also became the fourth British driver to win more than one drivers’ championship in F1.

    File photo of Hamilton in Abu Dhabi courtesy FIA.
    File photo of Hamilton in Abu Dhabi courtesy FIA.

    Hamilton who started on P2 behind teammate Nico Rosberg jumped into the lead with a stunning get away at the lights and controlled the race thereafter. He had a scare midway but soon recovered the lead from Massa after a pit stop and with Nico Rosberg losing pace with the failure of hybrid system, towards the end, and finishing out of points in 13th place, it was a cake walk for the Briton.

    As Martin Brundle interviews the drivers on the podium and says, The final word goes to Lewis Hamilton. What happens now? “I don’t know what will happen,” he says. “This is the greatest day of my life and that’s due to people around me.

    “2008 was special but the feeling I have now is above and beyond. It’s the greatest feeling I’ve ever had. Thanks so much everyone.”

    Hamilton continues on the podium:

    “I’ve been lost for words but I want to thank the fans,” he says trying to control his emotions.“ It’s made such a difference. And to my family: I love you guys. And to my team thank you. It feels even more than the first time.

    “It was a good start, probably the best start I’d ever had. Going into the race I had a couple of different options. If it was ahead I knew I had to race. Qualifying wasn’t perfect but we got it right for the race.

    “Nico put on an incredible fight throughout the year. We met in 1997 and always thought we would be competing together. He was graceful enough to come up to congratulate me. He just came into the room, very professional and he said: ‘you drove really well.’ And the same for him.” And he did not forget to thank the God before he concluded the final podium ceremony of the season.

    eom

     

  • Hamilton remains cool and refuses to get into a battle of words: FIA pre-race press conference

    DRIVERS

    1 – Nico ROSBERG (Mercedes)

    2 – Lewis HAMILTON (Mercedes)

    3 – Valtteri BOTTAS (Williams)

    TV UNILATERAL

    Nico, three poles in a row now at the end of the season and I guess you have the vital advantage going into tomorrow’s grand prix. How do you feel about that?

    Nico ROSBERG: Yeah, it was a great day again today I’m sure. I’m thankful to the engineers and everything, because [they] did a good job, sorted out the car, you know, I was really happy with the set-up. It all worked out well. I got a good lap together in the end; I’m pleased with that. But, of course, it’s only one step, a very small step, because this weekend it’s about the championship, not about pole position or anything. Of course, I was hoping, you know, who knows… Valtteri said he got his perfect lap together, so there wasn’t anything else in that. Of course it would have been great if somehow there could have been a Williams between the two of us, but that can always happen tomorrow. For sure, starting first is a great place to be and it should be a good start.

    I guess the crucial question is how are you going to play the first corner tomorrow? 

    NR: Yes, that’s going to be interesting, as always. But I’m on the clean side I think, I’m not sure. Maybe none of them are realty clean, not sure, but anyways I have the advantage from pole, so that should be OK.

    Lewis, is it the case that the driver who made the fewest mistakes eventually came out on top at the end? 

    Lewis HAMILTON: I don’t know. I don’t know how many mistakes Nico made but I generally didn’t have the best of laps but it was still a really good qualifying session, I really enjoyed it. The car was fantastic. So, as Nico was saying, tomorrow is the special day.

    Does it matter? At the end of the day you only need to finish second to win the title but how are you going to approach it tomorrow and again the same questions as to Nico, how will you approach that first corner? 

    LH: Same as every time.

    OK, let’s move on to Valtteri. Valtteri, well done, another top three. Do you think you’re fast enough to mix it with the two Mercedes drivers in tomorrow’s grand prix?

    Valtteri BOTTAS: Thanks, yeah, it was a nice quali and especially the lap in the end, the car felt pretty good and I got a really good lap in the end. That felt nice because Felipe was really quick today as well, so it was not easy to beat him. Yeah, it’s good to be third and fourth again. I think in the race, as we’ve seen before, Mercedes is normally having a bit more advantage on Sundays than Saturdays, so it could be difficult, but for us the main target is to finish as high as possible and if something is going to happen and if we have the pace there is no doubt we are going to try to move forward.

    And what are you going to do into the first corner tomorrow? 

    VB: Same as usual really, just trying to gain any positions if there are possibilities but in the end the race is never won in the first corner, so that’s good to remember. So this race is no different to any other for me.

    Back to you Nico, a unique situation tomorrow, double points on offer for the first time. Your thoughts going into the race, and your mindset? 

    NR: Well, the mindset is that I need to get the job done and continue on the sort of form that I had in Brazil in the race. I’m sure it’s going to be a great battle between the two of us. Of course I hope for more than that – not just the win but some sort of help from Lewis, or anything, I don’t know… I mean I offered Valtteri… I’m paying [for] a wellness night [for him] tonight, a spa session, all-inclusive, hoping that he can be in extra special form and do the impossible tomorrow.

    PRESS CONFERENCE

    Q: Nico, you came here wanting pole position, you’ve done it. Just tell us what kind of statement you think your qualifying has made this year.

    NR: Of course yes, qualifying was one of the strengths this year but that’s only… it’s not even half of it on a weekend, just the first step into every race weekend. It’s Sunday that counts and that’s where I’ve looked to improve a little bit recently, like in Interlagos for example where I managed to do the step – and that’s what I need to do again tomorrow.

    Q: Lewis, in a similar situation in Austin, you tried to pass and pulled it off spectacularly; in Brazil you didn’t get a chance to try the pass. Which of those is it going to be tomorrow?

    LH: I don’t know. We’ll see.

    Q: What are your feelings though in terms of the way you’re going to conduct the race? Are you going to…

    LH: Same as always.

    Q: Valtteri, the 12th top three qualifying this season for Williams. It was a difficult start to this weekend for the Williams team, particularly in free practice one. Tell us about how you built up the speed this weekend.

    VB: Well yeah, we only really had one real issue this weekend, it was the thing with the bodywork. We tried something different, it failed but it’s good we tried it in Practice One. It was no drama, everything was all set for Practice Two and everything went into the plan. And yeah, Practice Three the car felt OK but we still knew that adjusting some things we could get more out of it for qualifying and still not compromising the set-up for the race, so pretty normal weekend. Normally Friday we’d not be looking so good so pretty normal weekend so far for us. We’ve done a solid job but, like always, it’s tomorrow that really matters.

    QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

    Q: (Ralf Bach – Sport Bild) Question to Lewis. How many risks will you take tomorrow at the start to keep Valtteri behind you?

    LH: I don’t know. I’m looking forwards, so just drive the same as I always drive.

    Q: (Haoran Zhou – F1 Express) Question for Lewis. If you can pick a fight tomorrow, who is safer? Fight with Nico or fight with Valtteri? To you.

    LH: Neither is safer, they’re both just as safe.

    Q: (Heikki Kulta – Turun Sanomat) Valtteri, do you feel any kind of extra pressure now that you are some kind of factor in this championship fight?

    VB: No, not at all. I think it’s kind of cool if I can be part of something. It’s nice. Obviously for me the maximum I can get at the moment is fourth place in the championship and the main thing for us as a team is definitely securing the third place – and that’s our target tomorrow and to achieve that our goal tomorrow is finish as high as possible where we can. So no different race to any other for me.

    Q: (Dan Knutson – Auto Action / National Speedsport News) Valtteri, qualifying started at 5pm like the race tomorrow. During that hour, do the track conditions change much?

    VB: Quite a bit, yeah. The temperature is definitely still dropping. The air temperature and also the track temperature so that affects how the tyres are behaving so, you know, for the tyre life of the tyre it should only get easier to us end of the race. So maybe at the end of the race everyone can see bit longer stints than in the beginning. That’s the main thing really. And if some people are struggling with the cooling of the car, that should be a bit easier in the end of the race.

    Q: (Livio Oricchio – Globo.com) Lewis, this is not your style when you don’t fight. You have to go to the fight. Do you consider, maybe, in this specific race, to race for second place, that would be enough for you? 

    LH: I don’t know. We’ll see. You’re right, it’s not my style, so we’ll decide tomorrow.

    Q: (Chris Medland – crash.net) Nico, Lewis was saying that he didn’t really get a lap together today, he made a few mistakes in qualifying. Do you feel that that is a sign of the pressure, that you’re handling it better so far this weekend? 

    NR: I don’t know. Of course pressure is one of the hopes that I have. If Lewis feels the pressure and here makes a mistake as a result, a bit like today – I haven’t seen it – but if you’re saying that and a bit like Brazil and that’s the sort of opportunities that I’m looking for and I’m trying to push for. I push flat out, all the time to try and keep the level extremely high and that’s all I can do really and try and go for the win and keep the pressure on.

    Q: (Livio Oricchio – Globo.com) Valtteri, if you overtake one of the Mercedes cars, do you think it’s realistic to keep one of them behind you during the race? 

    VB: Well, yeah, it’s difficult to say now. We will see tomorrow. Sometimes this season it’s been difficult to predict in detail about the race pace and how we’re going to be, how the tyres are going to behave, how long stints we can do, there’s a lot of factors. We’ve seen that we have quick straightline speeds normally, so that normally helps us defending, so that’s on our side I think. But it’s really difficult to say, we’ll see tomorrow.

    Q: (Heikki Kulta – Turun Sanomat) Nico, how intensely is your father living this weekend? Is he supporting you all the time, or how does he do it? 

    NR: Yeah, of course my family is intensely watching and I’m sure it’s as nerve-wracking for them and intense as it is for all of us here and that’s great to know that they’re supporting me and also my Dad wrote me… or we had a discussion about it. He gave me his advice for this weekend and I try and apply that or take whatever I think would help me and that’s it really.

    Q: (Phillip Merrell – AMEInfo.com) Lewis, how does this finale compare to 2008, given your position and the double points system? 

    LH: I don’t really remember much from 2008 but obviously it was a great season and this is a lot different, just much older and hopefully wiser and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Yeah, it’s a great battle. Obviously it’s different when you’re racing your teammate to racing someone from another team but just as exciting.

    Q: (Chris Medland – crash.net) Lewis, what’s the over-riding emotion for you after qualifying with the gap you’ve got to Nico? Are you just happy to be in P2 and where you need to be or are you disappointed with your performance? 

    LH: I’m not particularly disappointed with it. Of course you always want to be on pole, that’s what we work for. I’ve had very good pace throughout practice and particularly the long runs which is comforting and then in Q1, Q2 was good, Q3 just wasn’t… didn’t really put a comfortable lap together but it wasn’t really lots of mistakes or anything, it just wasn’t a great lap. Nico did a great job but we’re still there for the fight tomorrow.

    Nico Rosberg, right, takes pole ahead of Hamilton on Saturday. A Mercedes AMG Petronas image
    Nico Rosberg, right, takes pole ahead of Hamilton on Saturday. A Mercedes AMG Petronas image

  • Sergio Perez continues with Sahara Force India with multi-year contract

    Yas Marina, 22 Nov 2014: Sahara Force India is pleased to confirm that Sergio Perez has extended his contract to continue racing with the team for 2015 and beyond. Nico Hulkenberg was retained for 2015 in an October announcement and now the duo will continue to pair for another year and Checko, as Perez is known among his near and dear, will look forward to a home race in Mexico next year.
    The 24-year-old Mexican joined the team at the start of 2014 and enjoyed immediate success with a podium finish in only his third race for the team. Since then, he has continued to demonstrate his speed by scoring points in eleven races so far this season. The contract extension provides the opportunity for one of Formula One’s brightest young talents to continue his association with one of the sport’s most ambitious teams.
    Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director: “I am delighted that Checo will continue with us. He’s a true racer who has done a fantastic job for us this season. The whole team has been impressed with his speed and racecraft, as well as his role away from the track. He has a very bright future in Formula One and we will do our utmost to give him the equipment to match his talent. I look forward to celebrating more strong results with Checo this year and in years to come, and I cannot wait for Checo’s first home Grand Prix in Mexico in front of his huge following of passionate fans.”
    Sergio Perez: “It’s good to announce my plans. As soon as I joined Sahara Force India, I noticed the hunger and determination of everyone in the team, and I’m very proud to be part of that. I feel at home here and I’m fully committed. I’m enjoying my racing and we’ve already celebrated some special results together. It’s important for me to establish myself in a team and have some continuity. The team have given me a competitive car this year and I believe we can continue to achieve great things together in the future.”
    eomMotor Racing - Formula One World Championship - United States Grand Prix - Race Day - Austin, USA

  • Jolyon Palmer and Spike Goddard to test for Sahara Force India in Abu Dhabi

    Jolyon Palmer (in pic) to test for Sahara Force India along with Spike Goddard at Abu Dhabi. A Sahara Force India image
    Jolyon Palmer (in pic) to test for Sahara Force India along with Spike Goddard at Abu Dhabi. A Sahara Force India image

    Sahara Force India is pleased to announce GP2 Series Champion Jolyon Palmer and 22-year-old Australian Spike Goddard as the team’s line-up for next week’s test in Abu Dhabi.

    Jolyon’s opportunity at the wheel of the VJM07 comes after a triumphant campaign in GP2, in which he won four races ahead of the season finale en route to becoming the first Briton since Lewis Hamilton to win the title. The son of former Formula One driver Jonathan, the 23-year-old racer will be looking to impress the team when he spends a full day in the car next Tuesday.
    Spike is a single-seater racer who has competed in the FIA European F3 Championship for the past two years. Having initially raced in Australian Formula Ford, he moved to Europe to pursue his racing ambitions and in 2012 won the rookie class of the British Formula Three Championship in his debut season. He will drive the VJM07 on the final day of testing on Wednesday 26th November.
    With this choice of line-up, including the winner of F1’s main feeder series and a promising Formula Three youngster, Sahara Force India reinforces its commitment to offering young, talented drivers an opportunity on the biggest stage in motorsport, a philosophy that complements the team’s successful reserve driver programme.
    Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal & Managing Director: “I’m pleased that we can conclude our season by giving two promising youngsters their first taste of Formula One. As a team we have a strong track record of identifying up-and-coming prospects and giving them valuable mileage and experience in our cars. I have been following Jolyon’s progress this season in GP2 and he is clearly a big talent that deserves a chance in Formula One. Spike has also worked hard to get this chance and it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase his skills. I wish Jolyon and Spike all the best for a successful couple of days in Abu Dhabi.”
    Jolyon Palmer: “Sahara Force India has shown their faith in me by offering this opportunity and I am looking forward to repaying their trust in Abu Dhabi. I have worked very hard for a chance like this and I want to help the team get the most from this test session. This is a team that has always promoted talent and I hope this opportunity can lead to bigger things in the future.”
    Spike Goddard: “I would like to thank Sahara Force India for this incredible opportunity. Every young racing driver dreams to be at the wheel of a Formula One car and I am very excited to be one of the very few who gets to fulfil this dream. The test is an important stage in the preparations for 2015 and I hope my contribution will be useful for the team to get a head start for next season.”
    eom/Sahara Force India press release