Force India confident of reaching Q2

Force India remain confident that they are on course to achieve their first target of reaching Q2 sooner rather than later, despite having missed out in the first three races of the year.

A host of improvements to the team`s car have left Giancarlo Fisichella on the verge of breaking the team out of Q3.

And, with further updates added to the car for this weekend`s Spanish Grand Prix, the team are already eyeing not just Q2 but also possibly a point-scoring finish.

Team chairman Vijay Mallya said: “A tenth of a second has never mattered as much as now. All the guys at the track and back at the factory are doing everything they possibly can to get every millisecond and we are now tantalisingly close to that competitive midfield group.

“I have every confidence and no doubt that it will come. If you look at what we have achieved over the winter in just five months, which isn`t very long in the context of this sport, you`ll see just how much we`ve come on. We`re no longer at the back and though it will get tougher here on in, it`s a golden opportunity for us.

“No one expects miracles, but the fact that we qualified close to the top 16 and finished in the top 12 in Malaysia and Bahrain demonstrates everything is happening strongly and positively. At this stage of the season everything counts and that`s the challenge we face now.”

Team principal Colin Kolles added: “Our targets this time out will be to reach Q2 in qualifying and to score points. We are working very hard to reach these targets and I am confident we will reach them sooner rather than later.”

Giancarlo Fisichella is optimistic about the improvements made to the VJM01, as he enjoys the new challenges he is facing at Force India.

“This week`s Spanish Grand Prix will be as close as it has been in the past,” he said. “I enjoy the track, it is one of my favourite circuits so if we play it right, I think we have a good chance.

“Our closest opponents at the moment are probably Toro Rosso and Honda; we are all just outside the point scoring area and are fighting for any chance. I want to be there fighting again this year and taking advantage of anything that comes our way.”

22.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Force India    ▪ www.autosport.com