Photo Credit: Sahara Force India
Force India drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta are eagerly anticipating the team's home event at the Buddh International Circuit.
Hulkenberg finished the Korean Grand Prix in sixth place and is on a good run of form.
"I feel comfortable and confident in the car and the team is doing a good job. We’ve just got a good rhythm and momentum, and that’s so important in Formula One", he said.
"I’ve still had some tough weekends, like Monza and Singapore, but on the whole things have been going well. We just need to make sure we can repeat what we did in Korea during the final four races. We really need to stretch ourselves to get everything we can from the remaining races".
Although Hulkenberg didn't race in the country last year, he is fond of the setting.
"I was at the first Indian race last year, but obviously I didn’t get a chance to drive. I’ve been around the track in a road car and tried it on the simulator, but I still have a bit to learn on Friday. As a race it’s as big as they come for this team. We will be in Delhi at the start of the week to meet the local media and fans and they always show lots of enthusiasm for us. I hope that we will see their support at the track with lots of fans cheering us on".
Paul di Resta adds that making the top ten in a priority for the team.
"We’ve got to go there and qualify in the top ten. That will get us in contention and allow us to concentrate on the race", he said.
"All year we’ve shown that we have a car capable of reaching Q3, but the grid is very close and we don’t have any margin so we need everything to come together perfectly. Also, based on our performance last year, we looked quite competitive at this track so you’ve got to hope that will carry over for this year".
Team boss Vijay Mallya admits that seeing his cars racing in India was an emotional experience.
"I remember how proud I felt last year to see our cars racing in India in the colours of the Indian flag. It was a moment I had dreamed about and a great sporting achievement for our country. To score points was the icing on the cake", he said.
Mallya is hoping for the team to improve on last year's result and he believes they can challenge Sauber.
"This year I would like to go one better and see both our cars in the points – at the very least – so that we can give our fans something to smile about. The gap to Sauber is now 27 points. It’s a big lead, but not impossible to catch them before the end of the year."
