The Force India Formula One Team’s 2010 challenger, the VJM03, made its official testing debut today at the Circuit de Jerez in Spain. Tonio was on driving duties and, despite the mainly wet conditions, covered more than 300km in a largely trouble-free run. His fastest lap was 1:24.968, 4.041 seconds slower than fastest time today, set by Nico Rosberg. The programme today focussed on system familiarisation in the morning and then balance runs in the afternoon. The team was able to finish the plan and create a solid platform for the rest of the test.

After the test Tonio commented: “The difference between high and low fuel loads was like a Lotus Elise and a bus! When it’s full of fuel everything is lazier – the steering, the brakes, changing direction. It was very hard to drive it in the wet with a full fuel load. It will be more challenging for the teams and the drivers – and good for the show. I think it’s a drastic change. The drivers will have to take care of their cars more this year. There will have to be more communication between the driver and team. But I like having more things to handle like that!”

“Today was definitely a good beginning to our testing programme. It was mainly about getting comfortable in the car, running through the systems. We did more than 70 laps and the car was reliable with no big issues, which is a very good starting point. Unfortunately we did just three laps in the dry in the morning before it started to rain. We are however pretty happy with how the day ended and now are looking forward to tomorrow where hopefully the weather will be better.”

Tonio will continue in the VJM03 tomorrow before Adrian Sutil takes over on Friday and Saturday. Paul di Resta will get his hands on the new car on 17 February.