The team had always planned on a late launch for their new car because their technical partnership with McLaren-Mercedes was not concluded until the start of November, and now seem likely to run for the first time in the Formula One group test currently scheduled for 2-4 March at the former Spanish Grand Prix venue.
"The new car, VJM02, is under construction," Mallya is quoted as saying by Indian newspaper The Hindustan Times. "It will have McLaren gearbox and Mercedes engine, which is a big change from VJM01. We are going to unveil it at Jerez in early March."
Despite hitting the track less than a month before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, which will be held on March 29, Mallya is confident that the car will have enough track time despite the new-for-2009 in-season testing ban
"We will have six-day test which I think is enough," said Mallya. "Besides, the facilities at our Silverstone factory are up to the mark and I think we would be ready for the first race. I'm confident we can be in the midfield."
Last month the team confirmed that 2008 drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil will stay on for this year alongside tester Vitantonio Liuzzi.
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