Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley claims his squad can challenge Red Bull on merit and become the fourth quickest team by the end of the European season in Monza.
The Silverstone-based outfit finally introduced its B-spec VJM08 during last weekend’s British Grand Prix and went on securing a strong double points finish with Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez claiming seventh and ninth respectively.
When asked by F1i whether P4 in the Constructors’ race now is the hard target for Force India this year, Fernley replied with a definite “yes”.
“I’m not sure we’re the fourth quickest team with all due respect. I think Red Bull, and in all honesty Toro Rosso, are still slightly better than we are. But I think by the time we get through the European season, we’ll be there or thereabouts.
“I don’t think we’ve got any chance against resource. But if we can get the performance level just a little bit higher then we can close on Red Bull and I think the difference will be our reliability.”
Force India currently sits fifth in the championship with 39 points, trailing fourth-placed Red Bull by 24 points.
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