Force India has its eyes set on podium finishes in 2010

Vijay Mallya, director of Force India, claims that his team aims to achieve more and more podiums during the 2010 season after a promising 2009 year. The Silverstone team had an exceptional 2009 season, during which the team secured its first podium as well as its first pole position, finishing in ninth place in the standings.

After the unveiling of the VJM03, Mallya stated having more ambitious goals for this new year: « Our objective is to continue on the same path by further improving the performances we had at the end of 2009. I don’t believe I am being too arrogant when I say that 2009 was an exceptional year for us. The statistics prove it: a podium, a pole position, a fastest lap in the race, five top 10 starting positions, and 13 points. »

« We have learned from this experience and came out a better, more resourceful team. I hope that 2010 will see great progress. We have achieved one podium finish so far, but I hope this year there will be more points and more podiums. I am confident that we can do this. »

As for Adrian Sutil, current Force India driver, he is convinced that his team will enjoy a good 2010 season. The German driver will start his fourth consecutive season with the team, after having enjoyed his 2009 campaign.

« I hope we have a good season, but I’m confident. We had a great winter and a very good development program. The car looks a lot like the 2009 one, but we’ve made a step forward with wind tunnel simulations. It will only be after the tests that we will be able to see where we stand. »

He added: 2010 is a very important season and we are very optimistic about it. When you start a season, you always want to be better than the last. I think this year it will be important to be consistent from the first race. It’s the first time we have an established calendar. I believe this will be the first season where I can show from the beginning to the end what is possible to achieve.

Finally, Vitantonio Liuzzi sees 2010 as a new beginning in his career, after finding an opportunity to show what he is capable of achieving in Formula 1. The Italian claims to feel very comfortable in this F1 team, following difficult stints with Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso in recent years.

« The atmosphere is great and the team works well as a whole. Even when I was in a difficult position last year as a test driver, they were very open and I was able to build a strong relationship with them. I feel like I am in a family. Therefore, the environment is much better than what I have experienced in the past. This year marks a new beginning for me. I am a different person than I was two years ago. »

« It’s a different Tonio, and I’m excited about what may happen. I’m still young and have plenty of time ahead of me. I just want to show what I can do. »

Liuzzi is equally enthusiastic about the potential of the new car: I must say that the team has done a fantastic job compared to 2009. They never stopped working on the VJM02 to better transition to the VJM03. I am very confident in the work that has been accomplished over the winter. We have built a car that can regularly be in the points. That’s also my goal: To be more consistent and competitive throughout the season.