Sutil downplays expectations based on Force India

Adrian Sutil warned the fans not to expect too much from the Force India team this year, despite a higher budget.

Force India, which was present in F1 last season under the name Spyker, before being bought by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, only scored one point in 2007.

And while Sutil still expects an improvement in performance compared to last year, he doesn’t think his team is ready to fight for points.

« It will be difficult this year, I don’t think we should have too high expectations, » said Sutil in Mumbai, India, where the new Force India will be unveiled.

« I hope there will be change, I think we should improve from an aerodynamic point of view to gain half a second, maybe more. »

We are in a phase where we are trying to improve other criteria. I am confident, the goal is to reach the second qualifying session (Q2).

Sutil, who will be teamed with Giancarlo Fisichella this year, said he was still uncertain about his future plans.

« It depends, » he stated, when asked if he could stay a while longer with the Indian team.

I want to win as soon as possible. But it could be with this team. I feel very good here, I like the people, and this will be my third year with them.

« During my first year, when I was a test driver, everyone was very friendly, they welcomed me warmly, and I will never forget it. It’s an excellent team that deserves to progress and take a big step forward, » concluded the German.