Force India to launch new car without second driver

(L to R): Paul di Resta (GBR), Nico Hulkenberg (GER) and Jules Bianchi (FRA). Sahara Force India VJM05 Unveil, Silverstone, England, Friday 3 February 2012.Force India has confirmed reports that it will not be making a driver announcement prior to the launch of its 2013 car – the VJM06 – scheduled for early next month.

It has been reported that Adrian Sutil and Jules Bianchi are the frontrunners to join Paul di Resta at the Silverstone based team this season.

But amid claims of a financial crisis – which have been strongly denied by the Vijay Mallya-led team – Force India confirmed reports that the seat alongside di Resta will be left open for now.

Force India will launch its 2013 single seater at Silverstone on February 1.

“The launch will be devoted entirely to the new VJM06,” deputy team boss Bob Fernley is quoted by the website of French sports magazine L’Equipe.

The report claimed that di Resta’s teammate will be announced between the launch and the start of the first pre-season test at Jerez a few days later. (GMM)

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