According to its website, Force India, which is now enjoying a close relationship with McLaren Mercedes, is working "flat out" and will attend the two final tests before the season kicks off in Melbourne on March 29.

It is the switch from Ferrari powerplants to a McLaren Mercedes package that is one of the main reasons why the Silverstone outfit will be one of the last to hit the test track before the season kicks off, as technical director James Key (right) explains.

"Some areas of the car matched very well with the new packaging requirements we had, while in other areas it was significantly different," admits Key. "Effectively we have had to redesign quite a bit of the car, and starting in November, that's been quite a major undertaking.

"I think it's just getting everything together," he continues. "McLaren have been absolutely excellent, they understand that we've had a lot of work to do in a short time. They've been extremely supportive, very helpful. We've had a lot of meetings, and there are day-to-day discussions on the gearbox and all the associated parts such as the cooling.

"It's obviously very tight, because of what we've had to do," admits Key. "But the plan is to hit the last two official team tests before the season."

The two final tests take place in March at Jerez (1 - 4) and Barcelona (9 - 12)