Force India may soon switch focus to 2017 car

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Force India 's introduction this week in Barcelona of a substantial upgrade may be the prelude to the team's switching its efforts to the design of its 2017 contender.

The development which appeared at the Circuit de Catalunya was significant, destined to extract more performance from its VJM09 but also to provide a solid foundation for the rest of the season.

With limited resources and team-owner Vijay Mallya, who has yet to appear in the F1 paddock this year, still apparently in hot water with his home country's tax authorities, Force India will have to pay its cards close to its chest to insure its future in Grand Prix racing as new regulations take hold in 2017.

Which is why the team may be inclined to soon set aside the assets necessary to prepare for next year's changes.

"It looks as though we have a lot of potential in this package," said technical boss Andy Green.

"We can find a lot of laptime through the setup. Perhaps we will then only improve the car with small, detailed step."

In the interim, Nico Hulkenberg is happy with the team's latest upgrades to the VJM09 chassis.

"It reminds me of the debut of our B-car last year," the German driver told Auto Motor und Sport. "It feels very different."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.