Force India unveils new car for 2018 season, new name next!

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Sahara Force India F1 team has unveiled their new car for the 2018 Formula One Season during an event at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. Force India’s car VJM11 was revealed with new glossy livery incorporating pink, magenta and silver of Austrian Water Specialists, Best Water Technology (BWT).

The updated livery offers a more dynamic look for the team and builds on the strength of the pink identity that was introduced in 2017.

Force India’s Chief Operating Officer, Otmar Szafnauer, and Technical Director, Andrew Green were present during the unveiling ceremony along with teams drivers Sergio Pérez, Esteban Ocon, and Nikita Mazepin (Reserve).

Otmar Szafnauer praised the new look saying, “The VJM11 certainly looks eye-catching in its new livery. We worked very closely with BWT to deliver an even stronger identity for the car this year and everybody is really happy with the result. The new shade of pink is very striking and really pops out.”

Andrew Green explained the car structure saying, “The DNA of the car is still very much that of last year’s car. We took the decision, quite a while ago, that the launch specification of the 2018 car would be based around our understanding of the 2017 car, but with all new structures required by the regulations in place.”

“It is a starting point, a good reference from which to introduce changes quite quickly; it gives our aerodynamics department more time to develop a car for the first race in Australia, rather than having to release parts early for testing.”

The VJM11 was presented with new logos from petroleum brand, PEMEX, on the wing mirrors, while the team’s new lubricants partner, RAVENOL, displays its logo on the bargeboards. The engine cover sees branding from NEC as the Japanese ICT specialists extend their partnership with the team for a fourth year.

The long-standing partnerships with Claro, Infinitum, and TelCel, continue in 2018 with all three brands prominently displayed on the VJM11. Similarly, the team’s relationship with Hype continues for a fourth season with branding on the nose and roll hoop, while long-term partner, Kingfisher, takes up a position on the engine cover and reverse of the rear wing. Branding from Industrial Engineering brand DUO is positioned on the car’s rear crash structure.

The Silverstone-based team is also considering a name change by dropping India from their name for some time to make themselves more attractive to potential sponsors.

After two consecutive fourth-place championship finishes, the team remains determined to consolidate its position in 2018, as Team Principal, Vijay Mallya explains: “I see no reason why we cannot consolidate our position and improve. Yes, Formula One is a very tough and competitive environment, but we are an established team with continuity in all areas of the company. We don’t take anything for granted, but we will be disappointed if we are not fighting for points at every race this year.”

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