Force India has nominated to use Toyota’s windtunnel facility in Cologne to develop its 2015 car throughout the season, rather than it’s own.
The facility, formerly used by Toyota to develop its F1 car and then by numerous customers including Ferrari whilst their own windtunnel underwent upgrades, is regarded as one of the best in the world.
Team co-owner Vijay Mallya said the decision “is indicative of our ambitions to continue as a competitive force” in the sport.
He added: “It’s one of the most significant decisions in our history and gives us access to what is regarded as one of the finest windtunnels in the world.
“We have used the facility previously on an ad hoc basis and we are aware of the advantages of basing all our aerodynamic research in Cologne.
“It will strengthen our approach and give us a solid base to build upon for the years to come.”
Often teams will use one or more windtunnels to verify results, but next season the FIA has clamped down on that, forcing teams to nominate one facility only as per Appendix 8 of the Sporting Regulations.
“Each team may nominate only one windtunnel for use in any one 12-month period. The first nomination must be made on or before 1 January 2015 and no re-nominations may be made for at least 12 months.”
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