Force India postpones debut of its VJM08 2015 Formula 1 car again

The Silverstone-based outfit had hoped a final push at its factory this week would allow it to have the VJM08 running next week at Barcelona, but it has not hit its targets.

With cars needing to leave for Barcelona, a team spokesman said on Friday that it is sending its 2014 VJM07 to the next test, which starts on February 19.

A decision on its driver line-up for the week will be made in the days before the test.

Although there are only a few days between the end of the next Barcelona test and the final test that starts on February 26, Force India is hopeful there is enough time to get its VJM08 finished.

Force India's absence from the first tests with its 2015 car has prompted speculation that the team is at risk of missing the start of the season.

Deputy team principal Bob Fernley has made it clear that while it has not been an ideal start to the year, the outfit will definitely be ready for the beginning of the campaign.

"We will be in Melbourne for the start of the season, there's no doubt about that," he told AUTOSPORT recently.

"Yes, testing time with the new car will have been limited, but we are doing everything possible to make sure we arrive in Australia in reasonable shape and with as many miles on the car as possible."