Sahara Force India have confirmed that their 2016 car has passed the FIA mandatory pre-season tests.
The Silverstone-based team confirmed on Tuesday that their new VJM09 chassis is now ready to run after securing the homologation from the FIA. Due to small changes in the regulations introduced to enhance the safety of Formula 1 drivers, Force India had a bigger task to pass the tougher cockpit tests for 2016.
Last season, Force India delayed the launch of their car, opting to miss the first test at Jerez entirely. Then running their 2014-spec car in the first Barcelona sessions at the Circuit de Catalunya. Pictures of the VJM08 were released ahead of the final pre-season test in Barcelona also confirming that their car will arrive on the second day of testing.
Even with changes to the 2016 calendar requested by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and other teams struggling to complete their car before the pre-season testing, Force India look set to have their car ready in time for the first test in Barcelona next month.
Finishing fifth in the Constructors’ Championship in the 2015 season with 136 points, Force India secured their best-ever result. Both Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg will continue their F1 career with Force India, their third season as team-mates.
Force India are yet to announce an official launch date for their 2016 car.
