Planet-F1

Force India want to close the gap

Tuesday 1st July 2008

Force India are confident they can improve even further after a good outing at Magny-Cours a fortnight ago.

Although they are yet to pick up any points this year, Force India have showed realibility in recent races and both their cars finished the French Grand Prix.

Team principal Colin Kolles hopes the mechanical upgrades will allow them to close the gap on the midfield at Silverstone this weekend.

"The French Grand Prix clearly showed the steps forward we have made in reliability, with our first two-car finish since the Bahrain Grand Prix, but now we need to be able to race competitively and finish ahead of people," Colles said.

"From a performance point of view, we have a significant new aero and mechanical upgrade package we will use at Silverstone for the first time that I expect to move us closer to the field."

Team owner Vijay Mallya hopes the team can recapture some of the Jordan spirit during the British GP.

"The British Grand Prix will be a special race for the Force India Formula One team," Mallya said.

"With the history and heritage of this team and its location just opposite the main gates of the circuit, it's obviously considered by the team as its home race.

"In the past, when this team was Jordan Grand Prix, there was a real buzz whenever it came to Silverstone. This team now really needs to remember those days and try and recapture some of the spirit.

"We're moving forward, that's for sure, and step by step improving, but I really want everyone to feel proud of where we are and what we have achieved. It's this race in particular that really fires everyone up, let's put this energy into a great performance in front of our 'home' crowd."