Saturday: Force India relies on its race pace
The Force India drivers assure that it was difficult to do better in qualifying as the gaps were very tight. However, the Indian team remains optimistic about its chances of fighting for points thanks to its good race pace.
Paul di Resta – 17th and 14th:
We definitely improved the car between the last practice sessions and qualifying, but it was a difficult session and the temperature significantly increased during the two hours between free practice 3 and qualifying.
My times in Q2 were good and I did two good first sectors, but I may have lost time in the last sector, where I never really managed to be at my best.
I think the 14th position is relatively good to start from, and we hope that our race pace and tire management will pay off tomorrow. The other possible variable is the weather because there is always a risk of showers in the late afternoon.
Nico Hülkenberg – 14th and 16th:
« Just look at the time sheet to see how close it was today. Half a tenth more would have allowed me to gain two or three places, while just one tenth better would have placed me in twelfth position. To be honest, I don’t think there was more to expect because I pretty much got the most out of the car. Now it’s a matter of performing well in the race and applying the strategy to try to come away with a good result.
For having missed almost the entirety of the race in Australia, it’s as if it’s my first race, so hopefully I can endure the distance and deliver a strong performance. Tire degradation will be a determining factor in the race, and the chances of rain could also shuffle the deck.
Robert Fernley, Deputy Team Principal:
« Overall, we cannot be disappointed with our qualification today. Of course, we would have liked to be a bit higher up, but looking at the standings shows us how tight the grid is. In fact, only three-tenths separate the ninth place from the sixteenth: with such a margin, the slightest mistake can cost three or four places.
Paul and Nico both put in solid times, although it should be noted that they were slightly hindered by the Mercedes in Q2. However, I remain optimistic for the race and I believe that we are in good shape and that our race pace will allow us to fight for points.
