Force India on road to Barcelona test
Force India is on its way to Barcelona to take part in the second Formula One test, as the team aims to have its new car ready for the final test.
Force India 2015 livery
Bernardo Maldonado
As reported by Motorsport.com earlier this month, the Silverstone-based squad ruled out running with its new car in the first of the Barcelona tests.
The team sat out the opening test of the winter at Jerez amid rumours of financial problems and crippling debts to suppliers.
But Force India will attend the first test at Barcelona.
It emerged on Friday that the Vijay Mallya-led team has packed up its transporters and is currently bound for Spain, albeit with only the 2014 car in the baggage.
Barcelona bound! Car & kit on the road, we are heading to Catalunya! #FeelTheForce #OnTheRoadAgain pic.twitter.com/9tKWjS1e2z
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) February 13, 2015
The 2015 machine has not yet seen the light of day, with Force India having launched a new livery in Mexico City last month with a 2014 show-car fitted with a new-style nose.
Team figures, however, deny that Force India is in such trouble it might be in doubt for the Melbourne season opener.
But deputy boss Bob Fernley told the British broadcaster Sky that funding issues for midfield teams at present are "very critical".
Force India recently blocked Marussia's bid for dispensation so it can start the 2015 season with its old car.
Fernley denied that was simply a grab for a share of the ailing team's official prize money millions, but he did admit: "Have we got some of our own issues? Yes, we have, but we'll deal with those.
"It's tough. It would be wrong for me to say we're all having a wonderful time -- we're having a tough time and costs are rising," he added.
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