The Force India F1 was formed out of the Spyker team, which itself originated in the Jordan team, via a year as the Midland F1 team. Bought in 2007 by the Indian billionaire, Dr Vijay Mallya, the team is seen as a first step toward a greater involvement by India in Formula 1 with an Indian Grand Prix predicted to join the calendar in the near future.
Force India not only finished with points to their name in 2009 but also a pole position and a podium. It was more than Vijay Mallya could have hoped for at the start of the season as a switch to Mercedes power coupled with a technology partnership with McLaren paid dividends. Where now for the team? Well with the departure of BMW and Toyota, Force India must be hoping for an even stronger season, even if they don't reach the heights of challenging for a race victory, and will be looking to come out ahead of Toro Rosso and Sauber with Renault possibly within their sights.
2009 Position: 9th, 13 Points
Adrian Sutil
Germany's Adrian Sutil starts his fourth season with the team formerly known as Spyker having collected 6 points in that time. With strong performances from the team in 2009 and the team looking to build on that this year it is time for Adrian to deliver the results to match the talent that his wet weather performances suggest he has. He has more than his fair share of bad luck but he also makes too many mistakes. Force India expects and di Resta is waiting in the wings.
THE CAR Chassis: Force India VJM03
Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108X
THE TEAM Chairman and Managing Director: Vijay Mallaya
Co-Owner: Michiel Mol
Chief Operating Officer: Simon Roberts
Team Manager: Andy Stevenson
Design Director: Mark Smith
Technical Director: James Key
Head of R&D: Simon Gardner
Head of Aerodynamics: Simon Phillips
Chief Race Engineer: Dominic Harlow
Chief Mechanic: Andy Deeming
Test Driver: Vitantonio Liuzzi
