Report: Force India 'B' car failed crash test

May 22 - The debut of Force India's much-needed 'B' car in Austria is now in doubt.

Earlier, the struggling Silverstone based team's 2015 car was delayed over the winter due to supplier and financial trouble.

In the form of Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Pérez, Force India now has a pair of disappointed drivers who are waiting until mid-season for a performance boost from a substantially-upgraded 'B' spec.

A debut in Austria was initially reported, but Mexican Perez subsequently explained that the British grand prix in July is now the more realistic race target.

Deputy team boss Bob Fernley said in Monaco: "Hopefully it's still on target for us for Austria. I would like to think we could do it for the race but it's most likely going to be the (post-race) test."

Before the 'B' car - reportedly with a Williams-style short nose - gets the green light, it has to pass the FIA's mandatory crash test.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that, on its first try, the car failed.

"Only just," confirmed technical boss Andy Green. Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt warned: "Another failure could delay the debut of the B version."

✅ Check out more posts with related topics: