Malaysian GP – In search of Q2 for Force India

The Indian team Force India, formerly Spyker, has shown what it is capable of at the beginning of the 2008 season. Just a week ago, in Australia, it delivered impressive performances in free practice.

In a single race, she did much better than Spyker did one year ago to the day. Force India does not want to stop there, with the goal now being to participate in Q2 and thus, for Fisichella and Sutil, to place between 11th and 16th on the starting grid.

Giancarlo Fisichella – race car driver:

« I am happy to be back in Malaysia now. With the small issues in Australia, we couldn’t show our progress. The VJM01 is consistent and stable, and we will be installing some new aerodynamic parts for the upcoming race. I think we can take another step forward. »

« I was victorious here in 2006 with Renault and even if we won’t have the same situation this weekend, I believe we should be able to deliver a good performance. My goal is the same: I want to get the team into Q2 for the first time, and then finish the race. »

Adrian Sutil – racing driver

« I love the Malaysian Grand Prix, even though it is difficult for the drivers with this heat and humidity. It’s also a very bumpy track, very physically demanding. I am well prepared. In Australia, we had hot conditions but it took me three days to acclimatize to this new country.

« Last year was the first time I raced in Sepang and it was not a wonderful memory for us. Unfortunately, we weren’t as fast as the other teams on the long straight, and then I was involved in an accident very early on. »

This year, I believe we will be better. Q2 is my goal, and I truly think we can achieve this performance.

Vijay Mallya – co-owner:

« The Australian Grand Prix gave us a boost. With very good performances from both our drivers. It was disappointing not to reach Q2 as we wanted, but morale is high. »

« We were in the top 10 during both free practice sessions and finished just a few tenths from Q2, which is proof of our progress. »

Mike Gascoyne – Technical Director:

« I believe we must go to Malaysia with the same objectives as those set in Australia. Everything is in place to be very competitive. »

« Last year, we knew we were a second slower than the other teams. In Australia, we showed that we were within reach of a number of teams, and thanks to new parts we will use in Malaysia, we should make another step forward. »