We are happy to witness the launch of India’s first Formula One F1 car. Here is few snaps from the glitzy launch event for your eyes.
1) Force India Formula One (F1) car: India’s first F1 team has rolled out its 2008 challenger. Force India will compete with mighty Ferrari and Renault for the 2008 F1 championship. Force India has made its voice heard in the Global Auto Sports with a glittery launch function. Mallya has chosen Gateway of India to launch his new car since he believes “This gateway is not just historical as we know it but I think it is a gateway to a new India and the face of modern India.”
2) Force India Formula One (F1) car: Force India’s calls the new car as VJM01 and it is powered by Ferrari Engine. This is almost the same car used by spyker for the 2007 championship except few aerodynamic changes. Force India has understood that it cannot expect big things unless it invest on R&D. Mallya has increased the budget to $120 million from $70 million hence the team will have atleast some money after racing. Force India recently made its main aerodynamic facility, a 50% scale wind tunnel in UK.
3) Force India Formula One (F1) car: The car will make is track debut in the upcoming Barcelona test and race debut in March 16th Australian Grand Prix. Fisichella (driver for Renault in 2007), Sutil and Luzzi will drive Force India’s F1 machine in 2008. Mallya says Indian driver might soon find a place in the team. Force India has also started a training program for the young champions to develop their talent. Motorsports Association of India (MAI) collaborated with continental motorsports bodies to form the Autosport Academy Asia in Johor Baru, Malaysia. “The MAI will identify deserving young Indian drivers who will be supported by Force India to undergo a driver training course at the academy,” Vijay Mallya told.
4) Force India Formula One (F1) car: What if Formula One or Kingfisher without girls. Celebrities like Lara Dutta, Shilpa Shamita Shetty and Sameera Reddy added glamour to the launch ceremony.
5) Force India Formula One (F1) car: Force India wishes to beat three to four teams in the current year. Mike Gascoyne, chief technical director of Force India Formula One, “I think there are three or four teams we can target and by the middle of the year maybe more than that.” “Super Aguri is definitely the team we target to beat,” he added. But the main objective for Mallya and Force India is to have a competitive car when India hosts its first grand prix in it’s history in 2010.
