Although the Indian team has scored points in both Grand Prix held so far, they are not where they expected to be, especially after seeing the great result pulled of by Sauber in Malaysia.
After seeing how far ahead from them the Sauber Team is and taking under consideration the great result obtained by Sergio Perez in Malaysia the Indian team in considering the fact that Sauber may very well be able to have similar results during the season.
Force India’s deputy team principal Robert Fernley says the team is targeting the mid-season test at Mugello for a major upgrade that it hopes will move it to the front of the midfield. The team is aiming to break in to the top five of the constructors’ championship this season having achieved its best result of sixth place last year. Fernley, however, admitted that chasing that result had left Force India a little bit behind with the development of its new car, but is looking to the Mugello test after the Bahrain Grand Prix to get back on track. Fernley told Autosport:
“I am hoping that Mugello puts us where we would have liked to have been for the start of the season. We are a little bit behind because our focus was trying to secure sixth last season and we are about four or five races behind schedule. The plan is to come out of the first four races and not be too far away. Then we can bring the performance in through the season, so we are pretty much on target. We just need to get through China and Bahrain and then see where we go.”
So far Paul di Resta has scored points in both races this season, while Nico Hulkenberg also picked up two points at Sepang. Fernley praised their performances and said it was now down to the team to supply the drivers with better equipment.
“We haven’t given either driver the best of cars, yet. They are showing their mettle to get us through and what we need to do is respond and give them the car that can challenge from Mugello onwards.”
Info: Car & Driver Image: Force India
