Force India Partner with GP2’s Hilmer Motorsport

Force India have entered into a partnership with a GP2 squad in order to provide a platform for the development of young drivers.

The Vijay Mallya-owned outfit will team up with Hilmer Motorsport, the German operation which joined the feeder series category in 2013, with the squad to carry Force India’s distinctive livery during the forthcoming GP2 campaign.

Argentinian youngster Facu Regalia, who finished second to Toro Rosso rookie Daniil Kvyat in last year’s GP3 Series, will partner 21-year-old German Daniel Abt, who joins from ART, in the new-look team’s 2014 line-up.

“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,” said Mallya.

“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 programme to school drivers from grassroots karting to the higher echelons of professional motorsport.”

Franz Hilmer, Team Principal of the GP2 squad, who also owns Formtech, which is a supplier to a number of F1 teams, added: “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 1. We will do our best to support them on their way to the pinnacle of motor racing.”

Hilmer won four races and finished sixth in the teams’ championship in their debut GP2 campaign.