European GP: Force India Enhances Their Car Again
It is well known now this season, Force India constantly brings improvements to its cars, the VJM02. This European Grand Prix is no exception, and the team especially had time to prepare with the four-week summer break. These are, of course, aerodynamic improvements to the floor and wings. This strategy of continuous upgrades is proving […]
It is well known now this season, Force India constantly brings improvements to its cars, the VJM02. This European Grand Prix is no exception, and the team especially had time to prepare with the four-week summer break. These are, of course, aerodynamic improvements to the floor and wings. This strategy of continuous upgrades is proving effective as Force India is making significant progress.
The first witnesses are the drivers, Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil, who perform well in qualifying and racing but unfortunately never manage to finish with points. In Valencia, everything can change on this unique circuit…
Giancarlo Fisichella – Race Car Driver
« I was able to enjoy my family. There were many trips during the second part of the year, it was pleasant to spend quality time with them while my children were on vacation. We took my boat to Sardinia and then also to Corsica. I also kept in physical shape for the end of the year. The Hungarian Grand Prix was a tough race, but I had a good second stint battling with Kubica and Barrichello. I hope I’ll be able to do the same, if not more, in Valencia. Last year, it was a good race for me, one of my best. If you’re fighting, there’s some chances for overtakes. We also have a new update for this race, it’s the same approach we had at Silverstone. So I hope we can have a good race and score points. There are good opportunities to come in the second part of the year on some circuits that I particularly like. There’s my race at Monza, Singapore, and Suzuka, which are also good races for us, and then Interlagos, where I achieved my first F1 victory. »
Adrian Sutil – Racing Driver
« I took some time off while staying in shape for the second half of the year, which is going to be very tough for us with a lot of races in a short period and a lot of traveling. I went to Bali, spent time with my family, then returned to Switzerland to prepare for the European Grand Prix. I feel very fresh and I’m eager to get back to racing. To be honest, the Valencia race is not one of my favorites. It’s an urban circuit, but it could be said otherwise because the track is so wide and really fast on the straights and in the hairpins. This year, it could be a good GP because we are going to have a new update. Every update we’ve introduced so far this season has really made a difference. The car is getting better and we want to consolidate our position in Q2, from there, we should be contenders for points. I’m looking to be reliable and avoid any mistakes. »
Vijay Mallya – President and Team Principal
« We have a significant aerodynamic upgrade for Valencia, which includes a new floor and a front wing. We are looking forward to this advancement because we had a very good aero test with Tonio (Vitantonio Liuzzi, third driver) the week before the holidays. Knowing this, we are able to maintain, if not improve, our position on the track. F1 is more competitive than ever, and we need to maintain these updates. We absolutely need to be in Q2, maybe even the start of Q2 in Valencia and beyond. I’m quite optimistic because we have been working. There’s more to come in Singapore and in the latter part of the year; if we continue on our trajectory, we will be good. »
