Sunday: A good start to the season for Force India
The Sahara Force India team had a great Australian Grand Prix. Adrian Sutil started on an alternative strategy and it allowed him to lead the race for a few laps. He struggled more towards the end of the Grand Prix but still finished in 7th place. Paul di Resta finished just a few positions behind his teammate at the finish.
Adrian Sutil – 7th:
« What a fantastic race and so many emotions. I started with medium tires, a different strategy from most of the cars ahead of me, and I think it was the right decision. The pace was fast, and the car felt very good on the mediums, so I was able to stay with the leaders, who would have to pit before me. It didn’t take long before I took the lead in the race – the first time I led in Formula 1. After my second stop, I was leading again, so I knew a good result was possible. My last stint on super softs was much more complicated because the tires started to degrade, and I lost a few places. I thought I might have to pit again, but fortunately, the tires held up better for the last laps, so I was able to save 7th place. This result for the team is a perfect way to start the season, and I want to thank the team once again. »
Paul Di Resta – 8th:
Finishing 7th and 8th is a good result for the team and a nice way to start the season. We showed that we had a car that doesn’t wear out the tires too quickly, which helped us make fewer stops than our rivals today. I think I had a car capable of finishing 7th, but I got stuck behind cars on a three-stop strategy at the beginning of my second stint, and that cost me time. There’s a lot of positive to take from this race, as well as a few small things we can improve to make the car better, but we’re in a good position heading into Malaysia.