Force India hoping to hunt down Red Bull with aero upgrade

©WRI2

40

Force India has been in damage limitation mode since the start of the season according to team boss Bob Fernley which, given its results, bodes well for the near term future.

The Silverstone-based outfit has delivered a string of consistent points-scoring results with Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon, maximising efficient strategy callls and extracting the most of its still under-developed VJM10 chassis.

An aerodynamic upgrade package is expected to be implemented this week in Barcelona, and Fernley is expecting a step up in performance and the ability to possibly breath down Red Bull's neck.

"If everything works to plan from Barcelona, that's where we can reassess it," Fernley told Autosport.

"We mustn't forget the other teams are not standing still either, so we need to just be cautious on that.

"The first objective is to make sure we can consolidate the fourth place, and deliver that. Then if we can from a performance point of view keep moving it through, it will be ideal.

"It's been quite a tremendous run for four races. Hopefully in Barcelona we can bolt on that missing performance and then we can go toe-to-toe with the others."

Webber doubts Button's Monaco commitment

Fernley underlines two important aspects associated with its impressive leg so far this season: efficient strategy and the relative performance of Esteban Ocon.

"[Ocon] is doing a super job. He's still learning when it comes to the qualifying and going through the first part of the weekend.

"What is super is the maturity that he shows in the first part of the race. And that's been there from the start - he's a remarkable racer.

"From our point of view that's where we gain the points, and we can help him with the other bits. Sochi was the first weekend when he got into Q3, and he's been the in the points in four races.

"It doesn't get an awful lot better than that for a team where we are. I think by the time we get to Silverstone we will see both drivers absolutely pushing hard, and from our side it will be very exciting.

"If we can just get that performance deficit dealt with, I think it could be an incredibly exciting second half of the season."

Win the ULTIMATE TRACKDAY with F1i.com!

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.