2009 Force India VJM02-02S Show Car

An eye-catching design scheme that pours proud national history over a technical marvel of contemporary engineering.

The Car

The VJM02 was Force India’s second car, designed by James Key, the man recently named as Audi Revolut F1 Team Technical Director for their maiden 2026 season. This car was built with grand aspirations of success, which had been committed to significant development change by ending the use of Ferrari power units and switching to Mercedes engines and McLaren gearbox internals and hydraulic systems. This made the VJM02 the first non-McLaren Mercedes powered car on the grid in 15 years.

2009 saw the introduction of a major regulation change with F1 simplifying the aerodynamic surfaces and re introducing slick tyres. The Force India team focussed on delivering a strong aerodynamic package which combined with the Mercedes-Benz power unit, helped Giancarlo Fisichella achieve a first-ever podium for the team at the 2009 Belgian GP.  

This show car was manufactured by Bob Salisbury Engineering directly for Force India that same year. The show car supplier for the team since their inception as Jordan Grand Prix, and one known for the accuracy and quality of their products. The car is built on a composite glass fibre reinforced monocoque tub. The visible areas of this in the cockpit have been laminated with carbon fibre, ensuring this presents as original from within the driver’s seat. A metallic Force India chassis plate is bonded to the tub reading “Chassis No: VJM-02S”, where the S denotes Show Car.

The tub connects to a Force India aluminium gearbox casing with part number “BOX Q-S01”. This casing has had all internals removed but retains the driveshafts which connect to the wheels.

The car’s outboard suspension is mostly complete and retains real carbon-carbon brake disks and transport wheel nuts, which confirms the uprights and hubs are simplified real components. The front and rear wishbones are all real composite components and incorporate simplified brake ducts, with only the steering linkages and pushrods being metal parts with a carbon fibre look, which is preferred to ensure the show car can move more efficiently.

The Livery

Dr Vijay Mallya, the former co-owner of the Force India team, wanted to celebrate his Indian heritage with the F1 team. Throughout their racing history, all the team’s cars One featured liveries with the unmistakable colours of the Indian flag - saffron orange, white and green.

These colours represent courage and sacrifice, indicating the strength of the country (Saffron), peace and truth (White) and fertility and auspiciousness of the land (Green). It is a truly eye-catching design scheme that pours proud national history over a technical marvel of contemporary engineering.

The car proudly exhibited sponsor brands including the logos of Kingfisher, Gitajali Lifestyle, Medion, Royal Challenge, Reebok and Whyte & Mackay. Notably, the team was also sponsored by Airbus, with whom they shared a technical partnership and access to their Wind Tunnel testing facilities.

The Driver

The VJM02-02S Show Car represents the vehicle driven by Giancarlo Fisichella, whose time with Force India ended in spectacular style.

Fisichella originally arrived in F1 following a fantastic background in Formula 3, where he demonstrated his ability by winning Leg 1 at the 1994 Macau Grand Prix. A very challenging track known for becoming proving ground for exceptional young drivers, won by future legends such as Michael Schumacher. 

In 1996, he made his debuted in F1, driving a partial season with Minardi. The infamous Flavio Briatore became his manager and loaned him to Jordan for the 1997 season, before Giancarlo joined Benetton for 1998. He then returned to Jordan once more and then race for Sauber and Renault in the 00s. In 2008 he joined Force India and at the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix, became the 9th driver to join the '200' club, competing in at least 200 Grands Prix.

In 2009, in his last race for Force India before being released to join Ferrari, Fisichella secured a surprise pole position and podium finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing the race in second and scoring the first points for Force India in Formula One. Ths culmination of his journey with the team was the perfect sign-off, now encapsulated by this Show Car.

After F1, Fisichella continued adding motorsport accolades to his career, winning his class (GT2) in Le Mans twice with Ferrari in 2012 and 2014. He remains a Ferrari GT factory driver to this day.  

Summary

This Show Car was delivered new by Bob Salisbury Engineering to the Force India Formula 1 Team who retained it as part of their heritage fleet. The Aston Martin F1 team is now looking to market this car.

It is believed to be the sole show car built for the team that year and is a perfect example of the vehicle that scored the teams first ever points in its 11 year history. Now you can own the moment by becoming the custodian of this exceptional racing artifact.

This is a large-format item and does not qualify for standard shipping rates. This item is located in the UK. A custom shipping quote will be provided following a successful winning bid. Alternatively, buyers may arrange their own courier (administration fee applies). Upon a successful bid, a deposit will be required. A full shipping quote will then be issued, with the remaining balance due before dispatch.