Force India are hoping to put on a strong display to kick off their second half of the season as the Formula 1 heads to Spa after its mid-season break.
Prior to Hungary, Force India were among the most consistent teams in the first half of the season, one of the only three teams to have a driver finish in the points then, including a first podium in almost five years at Bahrain but Hungary saw the run come to an end with both Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez crashing out of the race in separate incidents.
The Silverstone-based outfit are locked in a tight battle in the constructor championship with McLaren, sitting 5th in the standings and having amassed 98 points and head to a track where the team have enjoyed their best race finish.
Although team principal Dr Vijay Mallya believes a top 4 finish is not beyond the realms of possibility and is taking a race-by-race approach for the final half of the season.
“I’m pleased we went into the summer break in fifth place. I think it’s where we deserve to be at this stage of the season.” said Mallya.
“Fourth place is not out of reach either with 38 points covering fourth to sixth place. One race can make all the difference, and the last race, with double points, could prove to be decisive. So we’ll just keep our heads down and focus on every single race and take it as it comes”
Sergio Perez echoed his boss’ views of Spa’s long straights and extra emphasis on engine performance being “an opportunity for the Mercedes-powered teams” and reckons Force India are poised to be on good form and to end his barren run of form at the legendary Belgian track.
He said: “I’ve never scored points at Spa, so that’s my first target. We also need to put the disappointment of Hungary behind us. Spa is a power track and I think we can perform well there.”
