Force India extends McLaren tech deal

The two teams had joined forces at the start of the 2009 season, with Force India using McLaren's gearboxes and hydraulics and Mercedes-Benz engines since then.

Force India also confirmed, as reported by AUTOSPORT last year, that Andrew Green will step up to the role of technical director, replacing Mark Smith, who left the team.

"I am very pleased to formally confirm Andrew will step up to become the team's technical director," said team boss Vijay Mallya.

"He knows the team inside out, both from his previous tenure with the team and through his position this year. I am also delighted to be able to give Andrew and his team the stability and opportunity to take us forward with the extension to the McLaren Applied Technologies contract.

"The partnership with McLaren and Mercedes has matured into one of the most successful relationships on the grid. In 2009 we scored 13 points, one pole position and one podium and in 2010 we secured our highest-ever championship position and 68 points overall.

"I've always said I would like to see a Force India on the podium at the Indian GP and I believe we have the resources, both human and technical, to do it."

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh added: 'I'm delighted that we've been able to extend the programme of co-operation between McLaren Applied Technologies and Force India.

"Force India has continued to develop as a team during the 2010 season, and to improve year on year its competitive position, and we're pleased that McLaren Applied Technologies has played a key part in that performance."