Force India unveil new look for 2014

Force India on Wednesday became the first Formula One team to reveal their new car for the 2014 season. Or at least a partial glimpse, as the team backed by Vijay Mallya released a single photograph of the VJM07 on their official website. The new car, which will be driven by Mexico's Sergio Perez, dropped by McLaren after one season, and Nico Hulkenberg, is kitted out in traditional Indian colours of saffron, white and green on a black background. "I've always believed our cars have been the most eye-catching, but adding black as a main colour gives us a fierce new look," said Mallya. "The VJM07 looks stunning and the new livery reflects the way Sahara Force India is evolving," added the boss of the Kingfisher brewery. Force India, along with their rival teams (apart from Lotus), will start testing at Spain's Jerez circuit next week. Further internet glimpses of 2014 models are expected from McLaren, Ferrari and Sauber over the coming weekend. Red Bull, Mercedes and Caterham are waiting until the start of testing on Tuesday to roll out their new models. Force India finished sixth in the constructors' championship in 2013 and the British-based team have their sights on bettering that performance this campaign. Mallya told the BBC: "We've got to aim higher than last year. It's an ambitious goal, but I believe it's a realistic one because we have to look forward and take the fight to the teams ahead of us. "We have the key elements in place to continue moving forward." On his team's new driver pairing Mallya added in his BBC interview: "Nico has been with us before, so we understand him and know how quick he is. It's great to have him back. "As for Sergio, he's an exceptionally talented driver who I have watched carefully over the last three years. He's clearly got incredible speed and at just 23 has great potential. As a combination, we thought they would make a strong pairing." The 2014 season, which ushers in a sweeping set of rule changes, begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16. Source: AFP