Force India VJM08

The Force India VJM08 is a Formula One racing car which Force India used to compete in the 2015 Formula One season. It was driven by Sergio Pérez and Le Mans winner Nico Hülkenberg.

Force India VJM08
Force India VJM08B at the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorForce India
Designer(s)Andrew Green (Technical Director)
Ian Hall (Chief Designer)
Bruce Eddington (Chief Engineer, Composites)
Dan Carpenter (Chief Engineer, Mechanical Design)
Andrew Brown (Head of R&D)
Jonathan Marshall (Head of Vehicle Science)
Simon Phillips (Head of Aerodynamics)
PredecessorForce India VJM07
SuccessorForce India VJM09
Technical specifications
ChassisMoulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure
EngineMercedes PU106B Hybrid Turbo 1.6 L (98 cu in) V6 engine (90°), limited to 15,000 RPM in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout
Electric motorMercedes PU106B Hybrid Motor Generator Unit–Kinetic (MGU-K)
Mercedes PU106B Hybrid Motor Generator Unit–Heat (MGU-H)
FuelPetronas
LubricantsPetronas
TyresPirelli P Zero (dry), Cinturato (wet)
Competition history
Notable entrantsSahara Force India F1 Team
Notable drivers11. Mexico Sergio Pérez
27. Germany Nico Hülkenberg
Debut2015 Australian Grand Prix
Last event2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
190100

History
Hülkenberg driving the A-spec version at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix

The car's livery was first presented at an event in the Museo Soumaya in Mexico City on 21 January 2015, albeit using a modified chassis from a previous car instead of the VJM08 itself.[1][2] The team did not participate at all in Jerez and elected to use their 2014 car at the first test in Barcelona.[1][3][4] The VJM08 finally made its on-track debut at the second and final testing session in Barcelona. This delay was in part due to Force India switching to Toyota's Cologne-based wind tunnel in Germany. The new tunnel allows the team to test 60% scale models as opposed to the 50% scale they had been using with their old tunnel.[5]

The team used a new car development model for the 2015 season. They aimed to increase the car's performance as the season went on through the introduction of a B-spec car and several other upgrades later in the season.

VJM08B
The B-spec version of the car made its debut at the 2015 British Grand Prix

For the 2015 British Grand Prix, Force India introduced a B-spec version of the car, featuring a distinct shorter nose with two holes in it. Initially, it was questioned whether the new nose complied with the FIA regulations, which did not allow vented noses. To stay within the regulations, the team introduced a spoon-shaped panel under the chassis, which also improved the car's airflow.[6][7] Hülkenberg praised the changes, saying: "Now the car feels stronger, definitely."[8] Over the course of the season, the team continued to introduce updates to the car including a new front wing, rear wing, rear suspension, floor, front and rear brake ducts and diffuser, among other things.[9][10] At the Russian Grand Prix, Pérez scored a third-place finish. This was the team's third podium in its history.[11] Ultimately, the team's upturn in form helped them achieve fifth place in the Constructor's Championship, their best season in its history at that point, despite scoring 19 fewer points than with its predecessor, the VJM07.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Chassis Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Points WCC
2015 VJM08 Mercedes PU106B Hybrid 1.6 V6 t P AUS MAL CHN BHR ESP MON CAN AUT GBR HUN BEL ITA SIN JPN RUS USA MEX BRA ABU 136 5th
Sergio Pérez 10 13 11 8 13 7 11 9
Nico Hülkenberg 7 14 Ret 13 15 11 8 6
VJM08B Mercedes PU106B Hybrid 1.6 V6 t P Sergio Pérez 9 Ret 5 6 7 12 3 5 8 12 5
Nico Hülkenberg 7 Ret DNS 7 Ret 6 Ret Ret 7 6 7


References
  1. "Force India unveil 'aggressive' livery". PlanetF1. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  2. "Force India unveils VJM08 livery". ESPN. ESPN. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  3. Rodríguez, Alejandro (21 January 2015). "Force India unveils Checo's 2015 racing car at Soumaya Museum". El Universal. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  4. "Sahara Force India reveals dynamic new look for 2015 in Mexico City". Sahara Force India. 21 January 2015. Archived from the original on 22 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  5. "Force India: Wind tunnel move behind car delay". GPUpdate. GPUpdate. 22 January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  6. Barretto, Lawrence; Parkes, Ian (2 July 2015). "Force India duo preach caution about new B-spec F1 car". autosport.com. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
  7. "Force India VJM08 - nosecone 'nostrils'". FIA. 5 July 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
  8. Saunders, Nate (3 July 2015). "Force India B-spec immediately feels stronger, says Hulkenberg". ESPN. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
  9. "Force India VJM08 - rear suspension updates".
  10. Parkes, Lawrence Barretto and Ian. "Force India to introduce more new B-spec parts for Singapore F1 GP".
  11. "Podium for Checo in Russia, fifth in his F1 history".
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