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Formula One
F1: 2009 Season Review – Force India
A look back at Force India's 2009 Formula One Grand Prix season...
SPEED Staff  |  Posted November 13, 2009   Charlotte, NC
Click Here for a look back at the 2009 Force India F1 Grand Prix season. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Force India: Formula One Grand Prix Team

Team Principal: Dr. Vijay Mallya

Drivers: Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi, Giancarlo Fisichella (12 rounds)

Constructors Finish: 9th (13 points)

Best finish: Fisichella: Second (Spa)

Poles: 1

Official Team Website: www.forceindiaf1.com/

Chassis: VJM02 / Engine: Mercedes FO 108W

Although the second full year for the team, which was known as Spyker prior to October 2007, wasn’t exactly a banner one, the Force India team did have a few highlights.

Giancarlo Fisichella scored the teams first ever points after he won the pole at Spa and came home for a second place finish for their first ever podium.

Unfortunately for the team, Fisichella left to take over in relief of an injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari after Spa. The team moved up test driver Vitantonio Liuzzi to replace him.

The team made some mid-season upgrades that helped the VJM02's power but they still struggled with a lack of downforce.

Sutil was able to finish fourth at Monza, while Liuzzi’s seventh place finish in his first Grand Prix after Fisichella’s departure, also at Monza, was his best finish of the season.

Adrian Sutil recently said Force India remains his best option for 2010, while Giancarlo Fisichella has struggled at Ferrari. Fisichella will become Ferrari’s test driver when Massa returns to the Maranello team next year and Fisichella hinted that he might be allowed to return to Force India with the blessing of his Ferrari bosses.

Until Fisichella’s future becomes clearer, Liuzzi’s role for next season is unknown. Thrown in the drivers mix are GP2 Series racer Karun Chandhok and former A1GP World Cup of Motorsport Champion Neel Jani both of whom will test for the team as part of the young drivers test in December.

PHOTOS: Force India 2009 Formula One Grand Prix Season Review
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