Force India launched their 2008 Formula One car on Thursday and co-owner Vijay Mallya was confident it would mark the start of better performances.

The Ferrari-powered VJM01, unveiled in front of a large crowd against the backdrop of the Gateway of India, is the same basic chassis as used by the team's predecessor Spyker last year but there are changes to the aerodynamic package.

Force India, who raced as Spyker last season before being bought and renamed by a group headed by Indian billionaire Mallya, have already confirmed Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and German Adrian Sutil as their drivers.

Spyker scored just one point and finished 10th overall in the 11-team championship after McLaren were stripped of all their points for a spying controversy.

Force India, in their new livery of gold, tungsten and white, are looking to improve their performance.

Video: Hitesh Harisinghani