FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Force India aims for top five finish

Force India has unveiled its new VJM05 chassis at Silverstone ahead of the first test of the new F1 season in Jerez, Spain, next week.

Like the Caterham CT01 and the new Ferrari F2012, it featured a stepped 'platypus' style nose in response to the FIA's move towards lower, safer nose sections.

Team technical director Andrew Green said: "McLaren have a different aero philosophy at the front so have managed to keep their nose down. It's not a big deal, purely aesthetics."

Force India had an impressive 2011 season, finishing sixth in the constructors' championship, just four points adrift of fifth-placed Lotus Renault GP. The target for 2012 is to improve upon that.

Adrian Sutil, despite finishing ninth in the drivers' championship in 2011, ahead of both Renault drivers, has lost his seat with the team after five seasons, with Nico Hulkenberg returning to full-time F1 action alongside Paul Di Resta.

Scot Di Resta, who had an impressive rookie season last year, said: "The big aim this year is to finish in the constructors top five, but to achieve that you're going to be overtaking a car manufacturer, which is a big thing. But the buzz is still around and I'm sure we're ready to make that step."

Hulkenberg, GP2 champion in 2009, a Williams driver in 2010, when he set pole position in mixed conditions at the Brazilian GP, and a Force India test driver last year, is looking forward to keen competition with his British team mate.

"It's going to be tough," the German said. "Paul's record is good and he's going to be even stronger this year."