Adrian Sutil (car 20, VJM02/03):
FP1: 20th 1:23.536 (19 laps)
FP2: No time set

Giancarlo Fisichella (car 21, VJM02/04):
FP1: 16th 1:23.089 (25 laps)
FP2: 12th 1:22.670 (32 laps)

8 May 2009 - The Spanish Grand Prix, the first European round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, got underway today with two 90 minute free practice sessions. With the 4.655km Circuit de Catalunya well known from the miles covered during winter testing, Force India's programme focussed on gaining more information on the new upgrades introduced this weekend, including a driver-adjustable front wing and further developments on the diffuser, and evaluating the tyre options.

After setting the 16th quickest lap in the morning, Giancarlo Fisichella capped a productive day with the 12th fastest time in the afternoon. Unfortunately however team-mate Adrian Sutil's day came to a premature end after FP1 when his VJM02 developed a problem with the fuel cell and he had to sit out the afternoon practice. The German will however participate in tomorrow's final free practice and qualifying.

Adrian Sutil (car 20)
'Unfortunately in the afternoon we couldn't do any running as there was a problem with the fuel cell and we couldn't make the change in time to get out for the session. In any case we have our information for the set up this weekend from winter testing so I don't think it will be a big problem tomorrow. FP1 was OK, we just tested the tyres available this weekend. We struggled a bit with the soft tyres and I wasn't too happy with the time in the end, but Giancarlo got a lot of running in so we know what direction to take.' < read more.... >

Chennai, India, May 8, 2009: Indian racing sensation Karun Chandhok is bullish on his prospects for the GP2 series starting in Barcelona this weekend. The GP2 Series supports all the European Formula One races and all eyes will be on Chandhok as he looks for a Formula One seat in 2010. The Chennai born driver is backed by Punj Lloyd, JK Tyre and Amaron and will be driving for the newly formed Ocean Racing Technology team in the GP2 series this year.

ORT, which is owned by former F1 driver Tiago Monteiro, is the first Portugese team in GP2 and is located at the impressive new Algarve circuit in Portugal. Chandhok has had a busy winter familiarizing himself with ORT and is focusing on the team being competitive right from the start of their maiden year in GP2. Speaking on his new team and prospects for the year ahead, Chandhok said, “I have been working closely with the team engineers, and I believe we have made good progress over the winter. The team is highly motivated and I believe together we can develop the car as the season progresses.”

“My objective is simply to win races and score as many points as possible. We have a exciting season ahead as the team is new and we will need to work hard to exploit the full potential of the car, I am confident that we are well prepared and geared up to take on the challenges the season offers,” he added. < read more.... >