Force India rescue ‘just in time’ to influence 2019 car

Force India’s financial rescue came “just in time” to have an impact on its 2019 Formula 1 car in a boost to the its fortunes, according to team principal Otmar Szafnauer.

Force India entered administration over the summer break amid mounting financial difficulties, only to be rescued after a takeover by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll.

As well as saving over 400 jobs at Force India and securing the long-term future of the team, the takeover also came in time to allow for greater development of the 2019 car.

“Yes, it did [arrive] just in time for that,” Szafnauer said of the financial injection.

“It’s hard to know how our preparations are going, because this game is relative, and unless you know what the others are finding it’s difficult to know where we stand.

“But we are happy with the progress we are making. We were fortunate enough to run a version of next year’s wing in the Hungary test and from that we have learned a lot and it’s given us good direction.”

Force India is yet to finalise its line-up for the 2019 season, but it is widely expected the already-confirmed Sergio Perez will be joined at the team by Williams F1 racer Lance Stroll, son of consortium leader Lawrence Stroll.

While Szafnauer said it would be “courteous to everybody” to confirm the second driver “in our own time through the normal channels,” he spoke of the importance of the stability offered by Perez, who will enter his sixth year with Force India in 2019.

“We chose to re-sign him because he’s a fantastic driver. He’s great on Sunday, qualifies well, great feedback and he’s been with the team for quite some time,” Szafnauer said.

“He’s got a big impact on the team and it’s good to have continuity as well, from one year to the next.

“The regulations are changing quite significantly next year and a fellow like Sergio with all of his experience will help us in driving the development forward next year.”