Force India creates GP2 team with Hilmer Motorsport

Facu Regalia to drive Force India GP2 car

Force India has created a GP2 team after forming a partnership with Hilmer Motorsport.

The move is designed to expand Force India's driver development program, and will see Daniel Abt and Facu Regalia drive for Hilmer with a Force India livery. Team principal Vijay Mallya said the move was part of a wider desire to give drivers a path from karting right up to F1.

“As a team we've always placed great emphasis on nurturing young drivers so I'm delighted to announce our partnership with a GP2 team," Mallya said. “It's the logical next step as we look to bring through the next generation of drivers and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their talent. Our presence in GP2 moves us closer to having a holistic development program to school drivers from grassroots karting to the higher echelons of professional motorsport."

Hilmer Motorsport team principal Franz Hilmer said he believes the current driver pairing can prove themselves worthy of an F1 seat.

“We are very happy about the collaboration between Hilmer Motorsport and Sahara Force India Formula One Team," Hilmer said. “I've had an association with Sahara Force India for ten years and we are looking forward to working together on a sporting level going forward. With Facu Regalia and Daniel Abt we have two very talented young drivers with the potential to progress to Formula One. We will do our best to support them on their way to the pinnacle of motor racing."

In 2014 Force India's F1 team has a driver line-up of Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez – both GP2 graduates – with Dani Juncadella as reserve driver.