Australian GP – In search of that first point for Force India

This year, Force India will no longer have the status of a new team on the grid. First, because it is now in its second season, and second, because Brawn GP has more or less taken its place, even though it’s the former Honda team.

This first point in the championship is still the motivation for the Indian team still led by Vijay Mallya. The two drivers, Fisichella and Sutil, are always present while the Gascoyne-Kolles pair has been thanked. The two men will not experience the joys of the technical collaboration with McLaren-Mercedes, established since this winter.

Giancarlo Fisichella – Racing Driver

« In my eyes, Australia sounds like a victorious country. I won the race in 2005 and started the 2006 Grand Prix from second place with a car that wasn’t as competitive as desired. I finished in fifth place in 2007. For these reasons, I consider it a fantastic track. With a combination of short straights and chicanes, this layout demands a high level of downforce while good traction is essential, particularly at the beginning of the weekend when the track is ‘green’. »

« It is very slippery on Friday because it is not used much during the year, but then better conditions appear. This year the race will start a bit later at 5:00 PM, so it will be a bit darker at the end of the race, but I don’t think it affects the drivers. In Singapore, we race under artificial light and there isn’t much difference from my perspective. »

Adrian Sutil – Racing Driver

The Australian track is a very beautiful street circuit with many turns. It is 5.3 km long, but there are no long straight lines. Last year, there were many accidents and the safety car had to intervene. At least the pit lane is open all the time now, which is better.

« I want to finish this race, but we’ll see where we are in qualifying. I could then talk a bit more about my intentions for the race. »

Dominic Harlow – Technical Director:

« It’s the peak of winter, the first race of the season, which makes it technically challenging. The Albert Park circuit puts serious strain on the brakes and, being a temporary construction, the grip level is constantly changing. For the first time, the race will take place almost in the evening, potentially bringing cooler track conditions. Bridgestone’s soft tires will certainly struggle to withstand degradation and graining. »