Force India to begin testing with old car

Although the majority of outfits are expected to have their 2011 contenders ready for Valencia, which runs from February 1-3, Force India will join Virgin Racing in waiting until the following Jerez test to reveal its new car.

Force India's Otmar Szafnauer told : "We've carefully considered our plans for the start of the season and the introduction of the new Force India, the VJM04.

"The team will participate in all four pre-season tests and we will use the VJM03 for the first test in Valencia before the VJM04 makes its test debut in Jerez the following week."

The Jerez test runs from February 10-13.

Although most teams believe it vital to get their 2011 car ready as early as possible so as to get a better understanding of how they work with the new Pirelli tyres, Szafnauer believes that the extra time in preparing its cars will be a benefit to Force India's overall pace.

"Starting a test later with the new car gives us a couple of weeks more wind tunnel time when we are at our most productive to get the parts released for the new car," Szafnauer said.

"There is always a trade-off between running the car early and getting increased information for the aero department and we believe it will work to our advantage, given our size and resources."

Force India has not yet confirmed either of its drivers for 2011, though Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil are favourite to land the two seats - despite Vitantonio Liuzzi holding a firm contract with the team.