Force India owner Vijay Mallya echoed the sentiment expressed by the rest of his team over the outfit’s disappointing Austrian GP weekend, but was also confident the total underperformance was a one-off which would not be repeated next weekend at Silverstone.
Starting second on the Red Bull Ring grid, Nico Hulkenberg suffured a total performance collapse in the race, while a brake failure robbed Sergio Perez of an 8th place finish on the last lap, adding insult to injury for Force India.
“Leaving Austria empty-handed was very disappointing,” Mallya said.
“We showed good form throughout the weekend, but various factors prevented us from realising our true potential. We’ve understood what went wrong and I’m confident we can bounce back this weekend at Silverstone.
Mallya, who has yet to attend a race this year as he tends to his personal legal woes with the Indian courts, believes the British Grand Prix will provide the perfect opportunity for Force India to get its momentum back.
“We shouldn’t let one unlucky race overshadow the great results we have been achieving recently. We’re sitting fifth in the championship and the battle for fourth remains wide open with twelves races still to go.
“We’ve got some extra performance coming for the VJM09 this weekend and that should help us for the races leading up to the summer break.
The proximity of the Northamptonshire venue with the team’s home base – located just next door to the Silverstone track – is but another appealing bonus for Force India’s crews and family.
“There is no denying that Silverstone is one of the most special races of the whole season. Being so close to our factory, just across the road, means our staff can be close to the action and we enjoy incredible support from our fans.
“The British Grand Prix is one of the classic races on the calendar and the atmosphere is unique: the supporters are brilliant and knowledgeable; there is a party atmosphere in the campsites and the weekend is a true celebration of our sport.”
Austrian Grand Prix – F1i Driver ratings
REPORT: Hamilton snatches dramatic victory on final lap from Rosberg
Breakfast with … Alexander Rossi
F1i Classic: Penske’s emotional Austrian GP win
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Click Here: Cheap Golf Drivers