Was Force India's fifth place in F1 2015 a fluke?

Force India's fifth place in this season's Formula 1 constructors' championship represents a remarkable achievement for a team unable to run its upgraded car until midway through the year.

But with McLaren failing this season following the introduction of the Honda engine and Lotus barely producing an update of any description given its financial status and impending Renault takeover, it could be said Force India has fortuitously inherited fifth.
The key now will be to prove this season is not a one-off, and deputy team principal Bob Fernley believes the team can build for 2016, and on into '17 when the regulations are set to change.
Fernley told Autosport: "Consolidating our position is key for '16, and giving ourselves - as an independent team - the best platform to build a competitive '17 car.
"Credit to the team. They dug deep in the first half of the season and optimised the opportunities in the second half."

Windtunnel switch was key
The team was always aware the introduction of its B-spec car would be delayed, primarily given the necessity for proving results in a new windtunnel.
Earlier this year Force India switched to the Toyota facility in Cologne as the team felt it had gone as far as it could with the one previously used in Brackley.
Fernley added: "The biggest single change to us was the windtunnel where we knew it would hurt us badly for the first half of the season, and there was nothing we could do, but what a great decision we made in the end."

A-spec performed above expectations
Force India had to run with the A-spec for the first eight races, with drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez in the top 10 on seven occasions between them, collecting a total of 31 points.
"Our goal was to extract the maximum out of it and really be there at every race to pick up whatever we could," said Fernley.
"Our team was amazing in the fact they dug so deep to get what was an under-performing car delivering very, very good results."

B-spec proved the wait was worth it
From the outset at the British Grand Prix in July, the team's improved package, sporting a heavily-revised chassis, was an instant success.
Problems arose in the subsequent race in Hungary as Perez and Hulkenberg suffered suspension and front-wing failures respectively over the course of the weekend, since when the results have been impressive.
Fernley said: "We had a few issues with the B-spec, but it has ultimately delivered the performance and results we fully expected.
"We're a team that has consistently punched above its weight from day one, but this result is justification for all the effort, work and investment that has been put in over the years."

Autosport.com 
 

Force India can be fourth, says Perez

Force India can challenge Red Bull and Williams for a top-four position in the Formula 1 constructors' championship in 2016, according to Sergio Perez.

After finishing a best-ever fifth overall in 2015, 51 points shy of Red Bull and 121 behind Williams, the Mexican believes the team can take another step next year.

"Finishing off the season the way we did provides us with a much stronger platform for next year," said Perez.

"We're expecting other teams to move up. You don't know what will happen with Lotus/Renault, McLaren-Honda, those kind of teams, but we expect them to be up there fighting us.

"There is a lot of hope we can do better than fifth next season.

"I understand to move up to fourth is a big ask, but we have to be aiming for Red Bull and Williams.

"But I believe in the team and believe it can be a fantastic season next year."

Perez goes into 2016 on a high after a strong finish to the 2015 campaign, a season he considers to be his best since arriving in F1 with Sauber in 2011.

"It was a pretty good year," said Perez on reflection.

"Of course the year at Sauber in 2012 when I scored three podiums, was great.

"But the consistency I've shown this year, the way I've driven, that has been more important than results or scoring more points than ever in a Formula 1 season.

"The most important thing is the level I managed to achieve in terms of driving, in terms of confidence, experience. It was my best season so far.

"A major contributor to that was knowing the team, having a good atmosphere around me."

Autosport.com

Abudhabi GP - Race - Force India Quotes

Sergio Perez, 5th
“It feels great to end the season with a strong performance and I’m very satisfied with how everything has gone this weekend – both in qualifying and the race. We pushed hard to try and beat Vettel today, but he had too much pace on the supersofts and it wasn’t possible to hold him back. The rest of the race was straightforward for me, with no big dramas, because I was on my own looking after the tyres. When I was running fourth I was pushing very hard to stay within Vettel’s pit window, which took a lot from my tyres and meant that Ricciardo was able to get close to me at the end of the race. Fortunately I had enough left to hold him off. I think we got the maximum that was available to us and we can be proud of our performance. Looking back on the whole season it’s been my best year in Formula One and the most successful year for the team. There is a lot of potential for next season and we will be aiming even higher.”
Nico Hulkenberg, 7th
“The race was a bit of a struggle at times, and I had a hard job on my hands. The start was pretty good - everyone went to the inside so I stuck to the outside. It was a brave move and I was able to make up a few places. However, I had a lot of understeer and it was difficult to get the car to turn in, especially at a track with so many tight corners, so I suffered in the first two stints. The final part of the race was a bit better and I was able to get into a rhythm, which was important to keep our position. It was a tough race so it was a really good result to come home with seventh place. It's been a good season for the team and we will be aiming to build on it over the winter months. From a personal point of view, it hasn't been one of my best years but it gives me an opportunity to learn from what happened and come back stronger. I am already looking forward to 2016 and working hard to make sure we are competitive from the first race of the season”
Otmar Szafnauer, Chief Operating Officer
“We end the season with a strong result and 16 world championship points – the most we’ve scored at any race this season. The strong result is the ideal way to conclude the most successful season in the team’s history. The car has been working very well here and the team has done a fantastic job to deliver our most competitive performance of the year in terms of outright pace. Today’s result shows just how much progress we have made this season and gives me confidence ahead of 2016. The second part of the season is testament to the hard work of everyone in the team and highlights the upward direction the team has followed in the last few years. We will celebrate this year's results, but we know we cannot rest on our laurels: we're already at work on our 2016 cars to pick up where we left off tonight and be competitive from the start of next year’s championship.”

Formula1.com

AbuDhabi GP - Saturday qualifying - Force India quotes

Sergio Perez, 4th
“Fourth place on the grid is a great result for us and I’m very pleased with our strong performance all the way through qualifying. We’ve made some good decisions this weekend with the changes we have made to the car and it’s taken us in a very positive direction. I think the analysis we carried out after the weekend in Sao Paulo has really paid off and we’ve learned a huge amount. All of my laps this evening were very clean and tidy, and we managed to get the maximum from the car. The challenge tomorrow will be keeping some very quick cars behind me, but I also think we have a good chance to make up some positions at the start. I have the confidence in the car to really push and there is definitely the potential to come away with a great result this weekend. In many ways it’s a shame that tomorrow is the final race of the season because the car is working very well at the moment and I’m enjoying the racing so much.”
Nico Hülkenberg, 7th
“It was a good qualifying session for the team, although I feel I could have been higher up the grid. I was pretty happy with my laps, especially the one in Q3, so to find myself in seventh actually feels a little bit disappointing. We need to look at the data and figure out where we lost time and what we can do to recover it. Looking ahead to the race, we’ve been working hard to improve our race pace and hopefully the changes we have made will pay off tomorrow. The car is quick on the straights and the balance has felt good from the start of the weekend. Starting from the fourth row, we have every opportunity to score a good result tomorrow.”
Otmar Szafnauer, Chief Operating Officer
“We’ve looked competitive in every session leading up to qualifying, so I think tonight’s strong showing is a fair reflection of our performance level at this circuit. Both Checo and Nico did a great job this evening with clean laps in all the sessions to secure fourth and seventh on the grid. It gives us a good opportunity to end the season with an equally strong race result, especially as we can race relatively free from pressure having already secured fifth place in the championship. The big question tomorrow is how our race pace will compare to our competitors because we saw on Friday that there are very small margins between all the teams. Whatever happens we will fight hard to sign off 2015 with a good helping of points.”

Formual1.com

Abudhabi GP - Friday Practice - Force India Quotes

Sergio Perez
FP1 - 8th, FP2 - 3rd
“Today has been a good start to our race weekend, despite the brake issue we experienced in the evening session. The first session is not very representative of race conditions here, because the track temperatures are much higher than you would have in the evening, so we took the opportunity to try a few test parts that will help us in the development of next year's car. FP2 was a very positive session: I felt comfortable in the car from the start and the changes we made worked well. Our long run programme was interrupted by the brake issue, but we have plenty of data from Nico's runs that we can analyse tonight. The baseline set-up we worked on is already quite good, so we're in good shape for tomorrow."
Nico Hulkenberg
FP1 - 6th, FP2 - 8th
“I’m feeling pretty happy with a successful day and lots of laps under our belt. In the morning we had a busy programme with several test items and future development work, which went to plan and gave us a lot of information. The afternoon was straightforward with no issues and our one-lap performance looks quite competitive. There is still room to improve with our long runs so we need to do our homework tonight and understand what we can change for tomorrow. Overall I’m feeling positive about our performance today.”
Otmar Szafnauer, Chief Operating Officer

“The car has been working well straight out of the box and both drivers were happy with the baseline balance, which allowed us to push ahead with an extensive test programme to gather data with a view to next year. The cooler temperatures in the second session were much more representative of what we expect for qualifying and the race, and both Nico and Sergio remained happy with the balance and the changes we made between the sessions. We look quite competitive, but the margins between all the teams are very small. Sergio lost some track time towards the end of the second session with a left rear brake issue, the cause of which we are still investigating. It means he missed out on doing a long run with the option tyre, but fortunately Nico completed a full programme so we have enough information to analyse this evening.”

Formula1.com

Nico Hulkenberg Q&A: Perez's blistering form a headache

There has been plenty to celebrate for Nico Hulkenberg and Force India this year, not least securing the team's best ever championship placing. Hulkenberg, though hasn't had it all his own way: Sergio Perez's late-season surge means the German faces finishing second to a team mate for the first time since his maiden F1 campaign in 2010. Speaking exclusively to Formula1.com, Hulkenberg talks team mate battles, why he is still waiting for his 'big break', and what rumours of an Aston Martin-Force India tie-up might mean for his future... 

 

Q: When you say you leave out the bad moments and take only the good ones, what were the bad moments? And what was good?
NH: The second half of the year was a bit mixed, to say the least. There have been some hiccups and races that didn't go to plan so obviously you could learn from them and erase these kinds of errors.

Q: If you look at 2015 you've sometimes made mistakes in best rookie fashion...
NH: ...thank you for the flowers! (laughs)

Q: Have you been too hungry, did you want to force matters?
NH: Maybe. I am not sure. You are trying hard and sometimes things don't work out the way you wanted. In the end I think it was some sort of chain reaction. There were two or three races where twice in a row I had technical issues - and there was a driver error - and three or four bad races in a row means things don't go in your favour. That's especially true if your team mate has a strong run at the same time.

Q: How irritating is it when you are struggling and your team mate is on a high?
NH: It's not fun, believe me! But actually I was not too bothered because I knew the facts and many times when he scored and I didn't I was ahead of him, so I knew I could match him or even do better - but for certain reasons it didn't happen. I would say 'annoying' is the right word. It was annoying me. That's it.

Q: So you don't throw anything against the wall in your hotel room?
NH: I do...

Q: You are 10th in the standings – last year you finished in P9. Checo, your team mate, is 14 points ahead. To overhaul that, you'd need a podium here in Abu Dhabi. Ready for it? 
NH: That sounds like a target doesn't it? But to be clear: here everything is about the championship – who wins and who comes in second. Then it is nice to be in the top ten, but that's about it.

Q: Doesn't a single-digit number read better than a double digit?
NH: For sure single digit reads better. So yes, as I said: that looks like a real target for finishing the season in style.

Q: You are one of the most respected drivers in the paddock, but still you are chasing the a big break. If you reflect on your six years in F1, have any decisions led you away from the sort of careers Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel or Nico Rosberg have enjoyed?
NH: I think my first season in F1 in 2010, especially the end of it - the exit from Williams. Losing a regular race seat was sort of moment when things went wrong. That was a cut, a dip in the career. Without that who knows what could have happened. Yes, that is all past now but I still believe it was a decisive experience.

Q: Was that the kind of moment where you thought everything would go wrong?
NH: It was the kind of moment where everything went the way I didn't want it to go. It is not a good thing for a rookie to lose a race seat after the first season. That is definitely not ideal as it is the time where you still have to keep on learning – so to then be sidelined is hard to swallow. 

Q: Is there a driver you would love to have as team mate?
NH: Not really. Probably the weakest one! That's a joke!

Q: Force India are having their best season to date, on a relatively small budget. Boss Vijay Mallya always speaks about the special vibes of the team contributing to a big portion of the success. Can you say what these special vibes are for you?
NH: Vijay brings many of these vibes to the team on the sole basis of his personality - of the person Vijay is. He is a real character and a really cool guy, and he lives that! You feel that kind of special person that he is every time he is at a race, and that shows in the team. We have a great environment. It is very professional - but at the same time Force India is a relaxed and fun place to be. The team spirit is extraordinary.

Q: From rumours you wouldn't make the grid in Australia to P5 in the constructors' championship - that's some rise. What do you say to those who wrote-off Force India  at the start of the year?
NH: (Thumbing his nose) This - but I cannot put that into words! I am well educated! (laughs) 

Q: There are rumours in the paddock about a tie-up between Force India and Aston Martin. Can you dream of what that would mean - apart from a nice road car...
NH: It sounds good - but in the end that is all very premature and what it would mean in hyping up technology I have no idea. Everything I would say is speculation so I better not do it. 

Q: Vijay indicated that the team have even more ambitions plans after securing fifth this year, What is your outlook for next season?
NH: Wins! Anything else would be disappointing! (laughs) Of course, I am joking. Yes, we are optimistic - but realistic as well. I think we have put ourselves in a really good position; now we have to make something out of it. We have to build on the platform we have with the B-spec car and keep developing it in the right direction. The priority is to close the gap to the front-running teams and go for better results. Points and podiums - that's what it is all about. We are pushing for that, but at the same time we know that success doesn't come from nowhere. So hard work is in the end the answer to that - and a bit of luck. But from the development we've seen with the B-spec I am positive that we are moving in the right direction. I have confidence and faith!

Formula1.com

 

 

AbuDhabi GP - Preview - Force India quotes

Sergio Perez
“The 2015 season has gone by so quickly, but I have lots of great memories and I’m very proud of what we have achieved. I think it’s probably been my best season in Formula One in terms of results and also the most enjoyable. We have grown a lot during the course of the year and we have had some special days, with a highlight being my podium in Russia and my home race in Mexico.
“I think Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to end the season, especially with a race under the lights. The whole venue is impressive and the track is quite a challenge from a set-up point of view. You need a car that works through the fast corners in the first sector, as well as through the slow final sector, which feels more like a twisty street circuit.
“I think we have the potential for a big result in Abu Dhabi. Things didn’t work out for me in Brazil so I’m determined to get back in the points this weekend and finish this great season on a positive note." 

Nico Hulkenberg
“The final race of the season is always important because you want to finish the season well and carry the momentum into the winter months. We have already secured fifth in the championship but I want to make sure I end the season in the top ten of the drivers’ championship so there is still a lot to play for.
"Abu Dhabi is a fun place for the season finale: the venue is great and the twilight racing helps create a special atmosphere. As a track, it's not easy to get a good lap as the layout is very technical, especially in the final sector. It's quite easy to come into a corner too hot and make a mistake, and finding a good flow is a big challenge.
“Brazil was a very enjoyable weekend for me: the car felt great and we maximised every session to come away with a well-deserved result. I think we can realistically aim for a similar performance this weekend. It's been a great year for everyone in the team and we deserve to finish on a high.”

Vijay Mallya, team principal
“Heading to Abu Dhabi with fifth place in the championship already secured feels pretty good. It means we can approach the last weekend of the season free from pressure and with nothing to lose. Our focus is simply on enjoying the race and ending the season in style. Abu Dhabi will be a special race for us as it marks the 150th of our history as Force India, and we will aim to celebrate it with a strong performance on the track.
“All season I’ve been saying how proud I am of my team - particularly our development curve in the second half of the season. With 81 points from the last eight races we’ve enjoyed our best ever strike rate and we have been competitive at every race. With stable regulations for 2016, there is every reason to believe we can carry this form through the winter and into the new season. There is plenty to be excited about and a lot of positive energy in the team.
“This weekend’s race is simply another chance to demonstrate how far we have come. Our aim will be to qualify in the top ten and add a final helping of points to our tally."

Formula1.com 
 

Brazilian GP - Race - Force India Quotes

Nico Hulkenberg, 6th
 “I’m very happy with sixth place and with scoring the points that helped the team secure fifth place in the championship, which is great news. It’s the best result in our history and shows the progress we have made over the years. This fifth place is a result of all the hard work from everybody in the team and we should feel very proud of what we have achieved together. The race today was fun, although I didn’t have the best start and got some wheel spin, which dropped me behind Bottas and Kvyat. Fortunately I was able to get one of those places back with an aggressive early pit stop, but that forced me to do two very long stints on the medium tyres, which was the main challenge of the day. We made it work, though, managing the tyres and delivering the two-stop strategy. I’m now looking forward to Abu Dhabi and ending the season on another high note.”
Sergio Perez, 12th
 “It hasn't been the best of weekends for me. I have struggled to feel comfortable with the car from the start and I feel I didn't go in the right direction with the set-up yesterday. Today was more or less the same so we will need to go back and analyse all the data from the weekend to address the issues before we arrive in Abu Dhabi. Today's result, however, should take nothing away from what has been a great championship so far. The team has now finished fifth, so there are a lot of positives to celebrate. I am proud of what we achieved together this season and I am looking forward to aiming even higher in the future.”
Robert Fernley, Deputy Team Principal
“Everybody in the team is delighted that we have secured fifth place in the championship with a race to spare. It’s the reward for all the hard work put in by everyone back at the factory in Silverstone, at the wind tunnel, and here at the track. We have been through a lot this year, but we never let our target out of our sight and today we can celebrate. The race itself leaves us with mixed feelings as we wanted to seal this result with a double points finish. Nico drove very well, making a two-stop strategy work and withstanding a lot of pressure in the closing stages when Kvyat was behind him. Unfortunately Checo missed out on the top ten despite fighting hard this afternoon, but he didn't feel completely comfortable with the car all weekend. We now head to Abu Dhabi to close off this record-breaking season on a high and secure top ten positions in the drivers' championship for both Nico and Checo."

Brazilian GP - Qualifying - Force India

Nico Hülkenberg, 6th
“I’m very happy with the qualifying result. I always enjoy driving here because I love the track, the country and the atmosphere that surrounds this event. The car felt great today and I was really happy with each of my laps in all the sessions. We made some important changes to the car last night and found a positive direction, which really paid off this morning because I was much happier with the feel of the car. With the penalty for Valtteri [Bottas], it means I will start from fifth place with just the Mercedes and Ferraris ahead of me, so that’s a fantastic effort by the team. At the very least we want to hold position in the race and bring home the result because there are some quick cars behind us who will try and make things difficult. I’m feeling confident for tomorrow and looking forward to a fun race.”
Sergio Perez, 13th
“I think we had a clear opportunity to go through to Q3, so I am quite disappointed about today's result. I made a mistake on my final lap in Q2, braking too late into turn one and locking up, and that cost me the chance to be in the top ten. It's a very short lap and, when you make a mistake, it’s difficult to recover from it. All weekend I haven't felt completely comfortable with the car: I have taken a different direction with the set-up compared to Nico and I haven't been able to find my rhythm around here. It's not an ideal situation, but I’m still looking to the rest of the weekend with optimism. I am starting eleventh, but the races in Brazil can often be very eventful and a lot can still happen. I think we can still finish in the points and come home with a good result.”
Robert Fernley, Deputy Team Principal
“Overall we feel pretty satisfied with our performance today. Nico will line up in fifth place and Sergio is expected to start from eleventh, so we are ideally placed to score well and secure fifth place in the championship. Nico found the sweet spot this morning with some set-up changes overnight, but Sergio has not been so comfortable and a small error cost him a place in Q3. Nonetheless, the car has strong race pace and I’m confident both drivers can end the weekend on a high note. Of course, the racing this weekend has been overshadowed by the tragic events in Paris and the thoughts of everyone in the team are with those who have been affected.”

Formula1.com 
 

BrazilianGP - Friday Practice - Force India

Nico Hulkenberg
FP1 - 9th, FP2 - 8th
"It was a standard Friday with lots of laps covered and plenty of data collected. Track temperatures were high for most of the day so it didn't really matter that there were a few spots of rain because it evaporated very quickly. There is still a lot of work to do ahead of qualifying because I'm not completely happy with the balance and we need to work more on understanding the tyres. With such a short lap the grid is always tight here so it's important we find some more performance tonight."

Sergio Perez
FP1 - 15th, FP2 - 11th
"We learned a lot today with a big test programme this morning. Everything went smoothly and it has given us plenty to analyse because we ran different programmes with each car. The afternoon was standard for us – collecting the tyre information and continuing to improve the car. I think we need to change a few things tonight, but I'm confident we have enough information to make sure we choose the right direction."

Robert Fernley, Deputy Team Principal
"Overall we've enjoyed a fairly routine day of Friday practice, which allowed us to work through most of the items on the job list. Interlagos is a fairly unique track in terms of its layout so we put our focus on the twisty second sector and making sure the cars work well through those low-speed corners. Both Nico and Checo explored some different set-up directions during the day, but ended the afternoon session fairly content. I think we are in good shape heading into the weekend and will be targeting Q3 for both cars once again."

Formula1.com 
 

Brazilian GP - Preview - Force India Quotes

Sergio Perez
"Racing in my home Grand Prix last week was a dream come true. The support from the fans was incredible and I have so many memories that will stay with me forever. I was happy with my performance over the weekend and I think it was one of my best races of the season. You can always look back and say, ‘what if the safety car hadn't come out', but we made the best of it and I was happy to score points in my home race.
"Brazil is another venue where you can feel the energy of the fans. The track is brilliant: it's a proper racer's circuit with some amazing corners. The first sector is fantastic: you can take different lines through turn one and you can end up in a battle for position that lasts until turn six. The lap is very technical and there are a lot of places where you can easily make a mistake, but the feeling when you get a perfect lap together is amazing.
"In the last few races we've had a really good run of results. I feel I'm driving at my best and the team is doing a fantastic job. We want to finish this season on a high and I think we still have some big results in us, so I am confident ahead of the race."

Nico Hulkenberg
"I really love Brazil as a country and Sao Paulo as a city. The track is very traditional and there is always a special atmosphere around the place. There are some fun corners - the Senna Esses are really cool as turns one, two and three make up a nice combination. The lap is quite short but there are a lot of elevation changes and banked corners, which create a very challenging lap. It's a track where I really enjoy driving.

"Interlagos has been quite good to me: I had a pole position in 2010, led the race in 2012 and I've always finished in the points. I seem to have good chemistry there and I feel comfortable on and off the track. I can really identify with the Brazilian lifestyle and the people. I think we will be competitive so I hope I can add another strong result to the list."

Vijay Mallya, team principal
"We travel to Brazil off the back of a memorable and successful weekend in Mexico. Everybody I spoke to said how much they enjoyed the event and the warm welcome we received. It was a race where we maximised our opportunities to bring both cars home well inside the points and edge closer to securing fifth place in the championship.

"The Brazilian Grand Prix is another great event. It's an historic venue where the fans always create a special atmosphere – much like Mexico. The Interlagos circuit always seems to deliver an exciting race because it's an old school track with several good overtaking opportunities. The weather is also unpredictable and that often adds to the drama.

"With just two races to go, we must keep our focus and make sure we don't let our guard down so close to the finish line. If we score well in Brazil, we can clinch fifth place in the championship and that's the priority. I'm confident we can do it and getting both cars home in the points would be a great way to celebrate our best season ever."

Formula1.com 
 

Mexican GP - Race - Force India Quotes

Nico Hulkenberg, 7th
“It was a good race, although I was quite lonely for most of it. We couldn't have gotten any more from it so I feel very happy with the result. The Safety Car ended up playing into my hands, which is the little bit of luck you always need to get a good result, but our pace was strong and we were able to hold our own. I am really happy about this performance and finally getting back in the points after a bit of a difficult period for me. It was a very clean race from my part, with no mistakes and no problems. It took a lot of management as the temperatures were high and we had to look after the brakes as well, so from that perspective it was a very demanding race. The atmosphere today was one of the best I have ever experienced and the drivers’ parade was something very special. The event was great and the fans have been so welcoming - I feel I have been adopted as a Mexican now! Today's result is important for our championship battle so it’s a great day for everyone in the team.”

Sergio Perez, 8th
“What a week this has been here in Mexico! The atmosphere has been amazing and there were so many special moments. The race today was probably one of the most difficult of my career because I was very unlucky with the timing of the safety car, which really didn’t help my one-stop strategy. We chose not to pit when it came out because we thought there was a chance to jump Nico [Hulkenberg] and Felipe [Massa], but in reality that didn’t happen. Then the team told me that the cars behind had all pitted and fitted new tyres, so I was a bit worried because I knew the final fifteen laps would be very difficult. To stay ahead of them and finish in eighth place is probably one of my best performances in Formula One and I’m very happy I could score points in front of my home crowd. I am very lucky to have this huge support from my country and I will remember this weekend forever. I think everybody has enjoyed the energy of the crowd and this must surely be one of the most popular races on the calendar now.”

Vijay Mallya, Team Principal & Managing Director
“As a team I think we performed extremely well today. Up until the safety car we had worked hard to get Checo and Nico in a competitive position, and we made the right decisions when the safety car appeared. Nico was on course for a two-stop strategy so the safety car played nicely into his hands, but Checo was unlucky as it compromised his one-stop race plan. Even so, he made the one-stop strategy work and did a fantastic job of protecting the tyres and holding on to a well-deserved eighth place. It was important to score well with both cars today and it means we’ve extended our advantage over the teams behind us to strengthen our hold on fifth place. I’m proud of the strong results we are securing in this final part of the season and look forward to more of the same in Brazil and Abu Dhabi.”

Formula1.com 
 

Mexican GP - Qualifying - Force India Quotes

Sergio Perez, 9th
“I felt very privileged to be driving at home today and to feel so much support from the fans. They have given me lots of energy and I’m extremely motivated to give them something to celebrate this weekend - that’s the best way to repay them. I think we did a good job today and we are in a competitive position for the race. We were aiming to be the last car on track during Q3 to try and make the most of the track evolution, but in the end it didn’t really make a huge difference. I think eighth was possible, especially when you look at the small gap to Max [Verstappen]. For tomorrow expectations will be high, I know that, but it’s a very positive pressure and I just need to say focussed, work through my usual routine and treat tomorrow as a normal race. The car is working well, we’ve done our homework, and I want to move forward in the race.”

Nico Hulkenberg, 10th
“I think we pretty much got everything we could out of this session. I haven't felt 100 percent confident with the car, but in those conditions the final lap I did was really good. Our one-lap pace is strong enough to make it into Q3, but I’m feeling better about our long run pace and confident for tomorrow. The weather could play a part: there is a threat of rain, which could mix up the field and make the race really interesting. It's a new track so we don't have as much information compared to other places, which leaves a few question marks going in the race, but hopefully there will be a happy ending for us. It would be a good reward for the fans, as you can feel all the love and attention that we are getting from this amazing crowd. I may not be the home hero here, but I am still getting a lot of support which is an extra boost.”

Vijay Mallya, team principal & Managing Director
“I feel satisfied with our performance today. As we predicted, the grid was very tight with just four tenths separating the fourth-placed car and Nico in tenth. Both Checo and Nico drove very well today and we are well-placed to deliver a strong performance in the race. There are some question marks over what the weather will do tomorrow, and given the fresh tarmac that could make for some tricky conditions. Whatever the weather, we’ve shown recently that we can react quickly and make the right calls when it matters. Once again, I want to pay tribute to the enthusiasm of the crowd and the energy they have given the entire team. We are all determined to reward them with a fantastic race tomorrow.”

Formula1.com 

Mexican GP - Friday - Force India Quotes

Sergio Perez
FP1 - 9th, FP2 - 15th
“It's been a very special day from a personal point of view, but my focus remains on the work we have to do to prepare for the race. The circuit is quite challenging and, as we expected, very slippery. In the middle sector there is a lot of movement with the car and it's very difficult to get the car to stay on the right line. The altitude affects the levels of downforce pretty dramatically, so you end up being fairly light no matter what levels you are running. The conditions are very tricky but they're the same for everyone, so we will need to adapt. I want to give all the Mexican fans who come to the track this week something to celebrate on Sunday: it was great to see so many of them today and I am feeling optimistic that I will be able to deliver a good result for them.”
Nico Hulkenberg
FP1 - 16th, FP2 - 11th
“The circuit is definitely a big challenge, but it's good fun to drive. It's very technical and quite tricky to get it right. Sectors one and two, after the straight, are quite twisty and low-speed: the grip levels are very low, due to the new tarmac, and it's very easy to make a mistake. I am happy about the direction we are taking: there is still a lot to be done to find some more performance, but we are at a good starting point and I am sure that looking through the data will help us progress. We were able to complete a lot of laps, using both tyre compounds, and I think we have a pretty good understanding of where we are ahead of qualifying tomorrow.”
Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal & Managing Director
“I have to take my hat off to the organisers of the race for doing such a fantastic job with the circuit. The facilities are brilliant and everything was ready for us from the moment we arrived. I love Mexico - it has many things in common with India, such as the passion and friendliness of people and their love of spices. Racing at this altitude brings a whole set of challenges, in particular with finding the grip, but they're the same conditions for everyone and it will be up to us to find the solutions we require. The track was very slippery at the start of the day and the damp conditions didn't help, so FP1 didn't really give us ideal conditions. In FP2, we adapted our programme to account for the risk of rain and collected all the data we needed at the start of the session. We expect the grid to be very tight but we look in good shape, so it’s important that we maximise our qualifying performance tomorrow.”

Formula1.com 
 

Mallya: Force India have sights set on the top four

Force India boss Vijay Mallya says his team will push the boundaries further and further in the hunt for a top four championship placing. 

Force India are already well placed to record their most successful F1 campaign this year, sitting fifth in the constructors' standings, 32 points above Lotus, with three races to run. 

"The appetite [for more] is there for sure," said Mallya, when asked by Formula1.com if fifth was the limit of his team's ambitions.

"If we finish the season in P5 it will already be our best season so far in the history of the team. [But] we are pushing the boundaries further every year.

"I always said the improvement has to be gradual. It cannot be as dramatic as other teams - the ‘big five' are constantly developing. And the whole sport is getting more competitive. 

"When I started with Force India eight years ago, half a second [deficit] was okay - no big issue. Today half a second is a world apart. But we are doing superb for a team of our size."
Mallya said the team's form in 2015 offered added encouragement, particularly as they began the year with an interim car.

"Unfortunately we started late this year - our start of the season up to Silverstone was pretty weak until we introduced the B–spec car," he explained. 

"Now this B-spec car is performing. Even in Austin, after a difficult weekend, Checo [Sergio Perez] managed to finish in P5."

Force India have improved their championship position almost year-on-year since entering the sport in 2008, when they finished 10th. Last year they secured sixth, matching their all-time best from 2011 and 2013.

Formula1.com

 

 

Mexican GP - Preview - Force India

Sergio Perez
“The races in Russia and the United States have been an ideal way to prepare me for the return of my home race. A podium finish and a strong fifth place have given me a lot of confidence ahead of the final part of the season. I think there is more to come from us and I’m really looking forward to the final few races.
“Having the opportunity of driving in my home Grand Prix is something I never thought would happen. It will be one of the highlights of my career and I have no doubt that this race will become a modern classic of Formula One. Mexico has a lot of history in motorsport: the fans know the sport; they have a lot of enthusiasm and have been waiting a long time for Formula One to come back. I think everyone will have a great time.
“Racing in Mexico is, of course, very special for me, but at the same time I should not let this distract me from the fact that it is another race in which I will need to give 100% to bring home a good result. I am incredibly motivated to work hard with my team to have another race to celebrate.
“I had the chance to drive a lap of the new track layout recently and it’s a fantastic circuit. There are quite a few changes compared to the old layout when Formula One last raced there, but I don't think the circuit has lost any of its character. The new section in the stadium is spectacular and it will be such an incredible emotion to drive through there for the first time when it’s full of fans. There are a lot of fast sections, but at the same time you have a combination of fast, slow and medium-speed corners that make for a very varied lap.
“I am also happy to see the final corner has been named after Nigel Mansell. He is a hero to motorsport fans in Mexico and I admire all he has achieved. Nigel won the last race in Mexico in 1992 and produced one of the greatest overtakes of all times there, so it is right that he has been honoured in this way.”
Nico Hulkenberg
“When you have a bad result, the best way to bounce back is to get back in the saddle immediately. The race in Austin was frustrating as I felt it was a missed opportunity to score a lot of points, but that's racing. I have to get it out of the system and at least I get to be back in the car after just a few days.
“This week should be one of the most exciting in the season for us with lots happening on and off the track. We have a lot of Mexican partners and I think there will be a lot of attention on us so the expectations will be high. When we visited Mexico in January for our team launch, the whole country was incredibly supportive and enthusiastic, and it was the same last week when I was there for a charity event. They have been waiting for a Grand Prix for a long time and I am sure the circuit will put on a great event. I have even been trying to learn a bit of Spanish ahead of the race - even though by Sunday night all I want to say to the local press is "una gran carrera!"
“I am really looking forward to exploring the new track. I have never really driven on it properly - I just did a handful of laps in a road car on what was the old layout back in January. I have seen the map and a few videos, and the circuit seems to have a nice flow. There are a lot of medium-speed corners which is something drivers enjoy and some big straights that should generate some overtaking opportunities.” 

Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal
“The race in Austin demonstrated the good level of form we are in at the moment. We have been competitive on every kind of circuit following the summer break and it was only some misfortune for Nico that prevented us from scoring well with both cars in Texas. Racing is often a game of maximising opportunities and we have been doing that only partially recently, but the next race is a good chance to realise our full potential.
“Mexico is, needless to say, a very important race for us. Checo enjoys a huge following in his home country and we have a large number of Mexican team partners, so we are determined to do well in front of them. When we visited the country for our team launch in January, I was delighted, but not surprised, by the support we received from the fans: we are proud to be welcomed as friends and will work hard to put on a fantastic show for everybody involved.
“We are now nearing the finishing straight of this season with our eyes firmly set on the objective of securing fifth in the constructors' championship. Being a new circuit, Mexico will provide additional challenges as we find our way to set up the cars, but we expect to be in our usual competitive position with the minimum objective being a good helping of points for both cars.” 

Formula1.com 
 

American GP - Race - Force India Drivers Quotes

Sergio Perez, 5th
“We are happy to come away with fifth place and ten points from a weekend with such difficult weather conditions. The track was very damp to begin with and I was lacking pace on the intermediates - sliding around with a lot of degradation. Then, when we switched to the softs and eventually the mediums, it was not easy to get the temperature in the tyres and I struggled for grip with each restart. There was so much happening in the race and you really had to concentrate because it was very easy to make a mistake. In the final few laps I was getting close to Max (Verstappen) who was struggling on the soft tyres, but there was not enough time to catch him. Overall I’m very happy for the team because we’ve done a really good job this weekend. The recent results give us real momentum as we head to my home race in Mexico, where I’m determined to give my fans something more to celebrate.”

Nico Hulkenberg, DNF
“It's a huge frustration to be out of the race when things were looking so promising. Until the accident, it had been a very interesting race and it must have been a very entertaining for the fans as well. I struggled at first on the intermediate tyres, but as soon as I switched to slicks I started making good progress. We were looking really good and I wanted to get past Daniel (Ricciardo) as I was faster than him and he was holding me up, so I tried to make a move. Unfortunately that didn't work and it was the end of my race. When I got back to the garage the team told me that there was an issue with the front wing - from contact earlier in the race - and it broke just when I was trying to make the move on Daniel. It's a shame as we could have scored a lot of points today. These last two races haven't been the best for me, but that's how racing goes sometimes. At least I can get back in the car in just a few days and get the disappointment out of the system, rather than having to wait for a long time. I look forward to the race in Mexico and it should be a really exciting week in a cool country that is always very welcoming to us.”

Vijay Mallya, team principal & managing director
“Formula One delivered a fantastic spectacle today, which is just what the fans deserved after suffering through such rainy weather for most of the weekend. The racing was sensational and both Force Indias were up at the front and looking very competitive. Sergio delivered another very mature performance - staying out of trouble and letting the race come to him. Those ten points help to strengthen our hold on fifth place in the standings with just three races to go. Nico was unlucky to retire after the contact with Daniel (Ricciardo) and it’s certainly a missed opportunity because he was showing excellent pace. We will make sure he’s ready to bounce back next week in Mexico, which is going to be a hugely important and busy week for everyone in the team.”

Formula1.com 

American GP - Qualifying - Force India Drivers quotes

Nico Hulkenberg
"It's been a long day of waiting around to see if the weather would improve. You have to feel for the fans and give them credit for staying around until qualifying was eventually called off. They sat out there in the rain, the wind and the cold, and it's great to see their enthusiasm and passion. Tomorrow will be a busy day, but I've done qualifying on a Sunday before a few years ago. It may still be raining in the morning, but we looked quite competitive on the wet tyres so I feel ready whatever the weather gives us tomorrow."

Sergio Perez
"It was a shame that in the end we couldn't do any runs this afternoon as there were a lot of fans that had turned up despite the wet weather. Considering the limited running, we have a good amount of data from FP3 that we can analyse tonight to prepare for qualifying and the race. We have seen in the past that weekends like these can produce a lot of surprises so we have to be ready to take our opportunities. I am optimistic that we can have a good day tomorrow."

Vijay Mallya, Team Principal & Managing Director
"It's always difficult to comment on a day in which the weather plays such a big role. There were some very positive indications from this morning: both Nico and Sergio showed good pace in the final practice session and, in those difficult conditions, we were towards the top of the timesheets. On a different note, I would like to congratulate the spirit and perseverance of the thousands of fans who braved the elements and were ultimately disappointed by the lack of running. We are sure the show tomorrow with the busy schedule of qualifying and the race will reward their passion."

Formula1.com 
 

American GP - Friday - Force India Quotes

Nico Hulkenberg
FP1 - 14th
"When the track conditions are so poor, there is little value in running. We did a few laps but the grip was nowhere and there was no way we could collect any usable data. Tomorrow is likely to be very wet as well so there is a chance we will get to the race with very little information about the tyres and the set-up. If this is the case, it will be all about learning as we go, adapting quickly and making decisions based on the information we have. We have done that before when the circumstances were similar and I'm confident we can be competitive regardless of the amount of preparation."

Sergio Perez
FP1 - 12th
"Since the start of the first session this morning, the conditions have not been ideal, so we have only been able to complete a handful of laps. It's a real shame for all the fans who came to see the action. At this moment, however, my main worry is for my country. Mexico is being hit by the largest hurricane in its history and all my thoughts are with my people. I am praying for everyone to be safe. We are not expecting the weather to improve tomorrow so we are looking at very limited running, but hopefully by Sunday there will be an improvement and we'll be able to produce a great race for the fans. Mixed conditions can be an opportunity for a big result: we just need to keep focused, calm and do what we have to do."

Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal & Managing Director
"It is never ideal to have sessions affected by the weather in such a significant manner. Of course, the safety of everyone involved in our sport has to be considered, be it drivers, marshals or spectators, so it makes perfect sense for the second practice session to be cancelled. With more rain seemingly on the radar for tomorrow, we will need to analyse the data we have managed to gather in the limited running in FP1 and decide the best way forward. We have seen in the last two races that we can be very competitive even with limited running before the race and I'm confident we can do so once again this weekend. It's the same situation for everyone up and down the grid, so we will need to prepare best we can ahead of qualifying and aim to claim our spots in the top ten."

Formula1.com 
 

Sergio Perez Q&A: Sochi podium has inspired Force India

Some daring strategy, some excellent driving, and a deserved dose of good luck saw Sergio Perez and Force India back on the podium at the last round in Russia. Can they carry that momentum on to Austin this weekend - and then on to Perez's home race next weekend? The Mexican driver certainly hopes so, as he explained exclusively to Formula1.com…

Q: Checo, Sochi was the fifth podium of your F1 career. Which one was the sweetest, which the most difficult to achieve and which the most unexpected?
Sergio Perez: Ha, to begin with Sochi was fantastic - after a long drought! But to answer your question, the most unexpected was Monza 2012: imagine being on the podium in Ferrari-land. The most difficult was the podium in Bahrain last year: I had joined Force India after a difficult 2013 McLaren season with no podium at all, and then wow, in my third race the podium in Bahrain! That was quite something. The sweetest? That too was Bahrain 2014 - it revived all my spirits again.
Q: Can you talk us through your Sochi race? What was the key moment that made it happen?
SP: Of course one of the key moments was the safety car - and that we took advantage of that. But my first 20 laps on the first set of tyres had put me in that strong position, to take that advantage when it came. And then, of course, looking after the tyres after my early pitting.
Q: Luck was also an element: to be in that part of the track when the safety car came out and you pitted. With a different track position how would your race have been?
SP: For sure no podium, but probably P5. Definitely not as good as P3 and a podium. 

Q: How hard was it to keep the tyres alive, and how much did you have to defend every lap?
SP: It was a difficult race - not so much from the point of defending my position, but from managing the tyres. I was getting into a stage where the front tyres were worn massively - in fact there was very little rubber left on the rim! (laughs) If I’d had a flat spot - which could have easily happened with the condition my tyres were in - then that would have meant the end for my race. I was very aware of that tricky situation, so my last 15 to 20 laps was more a case of carrying the car around the track.
Q: Had you ever imagined you could do so many laps on one set of tyres? It was quite a risky business…
SP: When we opted for that strategy after I came in during the safety car I thought it wouldn’t be possible, as in the first ten laps after my pit stop we were experiencing very big levels of degradation. But then the pit wall told me that I was doing well - and they were right!
Q: Two laps before the chequered flag all the defending seemed to be in vane as both Kimi Raikkonen and Valtteri Bottas passed you. Was that a moment of anger or disappointment?
SP: It was just the realization that the tyres were completely gone. In that stage Kimi and Valtteri were pulling two seconds in a couple of corners, so there was no means of resistance. I even thought that it would be difficult to make those two laps until the chequered flag.
Q: No outburst of emotion under the helmet then, seeing a certain podium slipping away?
SP: Sure you think the ‘s’ word, being so close to a podium. I said to myself, ‘Checo, another chance just has gone out of the window’. But two corners later I had calmed down and told myself, ‘Checo, you have driven a great race - no need to lament. Go and fight until the end and pick up whatever points you can!’
Q: But then out of the blue Kimi took Valtteri out. Could you believe your luck?
SP: Imagine, you come to Turn 4 and suddenly see that these two had some contact - and here you go: a race is never finished until it is finished. So I knew that I had to be very cautious to get the car over the finish line. I was so proud of me and my team. Sure in the end the result was a lucky one, but we had worked so hard in the race - acting smart, using the chances that opened up. When I stood on the podium I had the feeling that I deserved it as I was third for most of the race. So in the end it was a just result.
Q: That strategy you were running on - was that something you discussed with the team via team radio after the safety car came out?
SP: It was solely a team decision. I understood that it was a risky decision, but we all stood behind that decision and it paid off.
Q: Has Kimi now become your best buddy?
SP: He sure became one of my favourite characters in the paddock! (laughs)
Q: With Mr Putin on the podium that must have been a very special moment, and the trophy is unique - with the Russian flag in precious stones? Where is the trophy now?
SP: It is in the office in the factory. Maybe one day it will disappear from there. Right now I only have the sweet memory, but I also want the physical evidence! (laughs) I hope I will get a copy. I have all my trophies, so I hope I get this one too.
Q: Last time we spoke you were tenth in the drivers’ standings. Now you are up to ninth. Can it get better?
SP: I think I am still a fair way off the guy ahead. Nineteen points are quite a big hurdle - but then when you look back at Sochi and my 15-point yield, I feel free to say that anything can happen! There are still four races to go. If we keep our momentum going, why not? The car is getting better and better, even if the gap to the big teams is still there. But we are working very hard and the Sochi podium inspires all of us.
Q: We are getting ever closer to your home race, but before then we have Austin - not traditionally a great place for you. Will that change this weekend - to get you in the right mood for Mexico?
SP: I think I am in a good moment in my career, so I see no reason why I should not do well here. Right now I have barely thought about my home race as I am fully concentrated on the job I have to do this weekend. I have to do the business here in Austin! The real excitement of having a home race will arrive on Sunday evening. And believe me, no matter what I am able to do this Sunday, my Mexican fans will be there. Of course I will try to give them a strong weekend here to make it even sweeter to come to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Q: With the tailwind of the Sochi podium, what are your expectations for the weekend?
SP: I think right now we are meandering between P4 and P5. It should be a finish in the points - hopefully good points!

Formula1.com