Dr Vijay Mallya has hailed Force India’s 2011 season as their “most complete yet” with the Silverstone-based team on course to secure sixth place in the Constructors Championship.
The Formula One season reaches it’s climax on Sunday with the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos and Force India are all but certain of clinching their highest-ever team finish.
Both Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil scored points in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago to take them a step closer to securing sixth, and team owner Mallya is delighted with their progress.
He said: “We’ve developed a car that has been strong in all areas and we’ve given some of the bigger teams a run for their money.
“I’m proud of what we have achieved, which is a testament to the dedication and commitment of all the team members.
“If we can secure sixth in the championship this weekend, it will be a key milestone in the history of this team because the competitiveness of the Formula One grid is as intense as I can remember.
However, he is wary of celebrating too soon, saying: “I still remember what happened last year when we missed out on sixth place by just one point.
“We certainly head to Brazil in a very strong position, but I’ve learned that you should never take anything for granted.
“Over the years Interlagos has delivered some spectacular racing action and I have no doubt we will see more of the same this year.
“It’s a classic race on a calendar that presents plenty of challenges and I’m confident that we can maintain the form we showed in Abu Dhabi.
“After a long season I would love to sign off the year in style with both my cars in the points.”
Sunday’s race will also cap di Resta’s rookie year and the British driver has impressed many observers with his performances in the team’s VJM04 car.
He said: “The year has been incredible and I’ve enjoyed every moment. It’s flown by really quickly and I can’t believe we’re at the last race of the season already.
“The standout moments for me were my first race in Melbourne and qualifying sixth for my first British Grand Prix.
“The atmosphere at Silverstone was so special – unlike anything I’ve ever experienced – and that’s something I will always remember.”
He has been in the points seven times so far this season, with a best result of sixth in Singapore, and is hoping to finish of 2011 with another points finish to help the team.
“It won’t be any different to any other race,” said di Resta: “Yes, we have a comfortable gap over Sauber and Toro Rosso in the championship, but we still need to be aggressive and keep pushing.
“Renault are not too far ahead of us, although catching them will require quite an unusual race and a bit of luck, too.
“We need to pick up where we left off in Abu Dhabi so that we can hopefully have another double points finish – that would be an excellent way to end the season.”
