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With the official unveilings of new F1 cars taking place it’s a timely reminder that official pre-season testing starts later this week at Jerez, in Spain.

In-season testing returns in 2012, but it has come at the expense of a pre-season slot. That means the teams have less time to prepare before the season kicks off in Australia on 18 March. Although, the in-season test is scheduled after the fourth race, Bahrain, before the teams get stuck into the European races (click here for full 2012 calendar).

Mark Webber will start proceedings for Red Bull in Jerez and let’s hope he has a better and more successful year in 2012.

Official 2012 F1 testing calendar
7–10 February: Circuito Permanente de Jerez, Spain
21–24 February: Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
1–4 March: Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
1–3 May: Mugello Circuit, Italy

Narain Karthikeyan has officially become the last driver signed for the 2012 Formula One season. The 35-year-old Indian has been signed by HRT where he will join fellow old timer 40-year-old Pedro de la Rosa.

Luis Pérez-Sala, Team Principal HRT, is happy to see Karthikeyan back after he started eight races for the team last year. “I am pleased to count with Narain for this season, as he will contribute continuity and stability. He is a quick, intuitive and secure driver who met his expectations despite a lack of continuity last year. Of the eight Grands Prix he contested in 2011, he only failed to finish on one occasion and had a great performance in the last race he took part in,” said Pérez-Sala.

“This is a year in which you could say that the team starts from scratch and everyone’s input will be fundamental,” he added.

Naturally, Karthikeyan is also happy to have secured a full-time gig. “It has taken a lot of hard work to make this happen but I am absolutely elated to feature on the 2012 grid with HRT F1 Team. I was pleased with our strong performance at the Indian Grand Prix, in front of my passionate home fans and I look forward to building on this result in 2012,” Karthikeyan said.

There’s more from HRT after the break, including a Q&A interview with Narain Karthikeyan.

Force India has unveiled their 2012 challenger, the VJM05, at SIlverstone today. They are the next F1 team to give us an “alligator” nose and we now have to question if McLaren is playing silly buggers with the conventional nose on the MP4-27.

Drivers Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg were in attendance, along with Force India’s new reserve driver 22-year-old Frenchman Jules Bianchi.

Speaking to Sky Sports News Paul di Resta said, “I think every individual in this team has put a lot of effort into his car.

“The momemtum we had at the end of last year, hopefully we’ve manged to carry that over but I must say it is a fine piece of art. Hopefully when it gets to track it’ll be able to show what it’s capable of.”

Interestingly, Autosport technical correspondent, Gary Anderson, had this to say about the VJM05, “I’m impressed and, including what I’ve seen of the Ferrari, this looks like the best overall package yet.

“The car looks very good in all areas. The exhausts are a bit non-commital, but that can change easily.”

There’s a dozen pictures below as well as the team’s official press release.

[Pics: Sahara Force India Formula One Team]