Force India joins the grid with 2009 VJM02
One of the last Formula One cars for the 2009 season made its public debut. Called the VJM02 – the second new car since Indian businessman Vijay Mallya bought and rechristened the team Force India – the new challenger ditches the red and gold livery from last year in favor of the orange, white and green of the Indian national flag. As we reported previously, Force India terminated its engine supply deal with Ferrari in favor of a new deal with Mercedes-Benz, incorporating the engine, gearbox, regenerative braking system and hydraulics, implemented on the new car, which will be driven by veteran pilots Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil. With all the cars now revealed and Honda returning to the grid as Brawn GP, it's full speed ahead to the season opener in Melbourne, Australia on March 29.