Image courtesy of Sahara Force India
Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley revealed that the team received financial help from Mercedes by running their reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein in their car during pre-season testing.
The Silverstone-based team were known to have deep financial troubles, casting doubts to the point where their participation in the season-opener in Australia was questioned. Having not had their 2015 car run on track until the final pre-season test in Barcelona.
Although the team did appear for the second test with their 2014 car to conduct some work on the new Pirelli tyres for this year, with Wehrlein driving for them on one of the days.
Fernley admitted having Wehrlein behind the wheel was the reason why Force India were able to take part in pre-season testing.
“Mercedes wanted him to have some time in the car and it suited us in terms of being able to run the car,” said Fernley.
“It was a pleasure for us to do it. It was obviously financially worthwhile and also allowed us to get Nico and Sergio back up to speed before the third test – so it was win-win.”
Fernley also added that the possibility of Wehrlein joining their lineup as a reserve driver wasn’t something that was discussed with the reigning world champions, but pointed to the likelihood of him being in their car again
“It was just a one-off. He will probably run again for us in one of the young driver tests but at this point, we don’t have any plans for him in the long term.”
