Mallya still targeting podium finish for Force India

©WRI2

Force India boss Vijay Mallya still has a podium finish in his line of sight this year and is the only thing missing in a season of remarkable consistency.

With the exception of Monaco, the Silverstone-based outfit has been in the points at every single race of 2017 and sits in a solid fourth place in the F1 Constructors' standings.

"Our consistency has been our strength this year," Mallya said ahead of this weekend's Belgian GP.

"We’ve scored points in ten of the 11 races so far and had double points finishes in nine of those races. I’m proud of the team for this achievement and it shows that all our hard work is paying off.

"We’ve still got our sights on the podium for this year and if the opportunity arises I believe we are ready to take it."

Looking at the past, Spa embodies happy memories for Force India. In 2009, Giancarlo Fisichella achieved the team's only pole position in F1and its first podium finish the next day.

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"Spa is always a special weekend for Formula 1," adds Mallya.

"It’s one of the greatest circuits in the world and a marvellous venue to appreciate the best drivers in the fastest cars.

"It’s been a happy hunting ground for this team too and I’d like to think we have a good chance of adding some more memories this weekend."

Given Force India's remarkable run to date and the impressive performance this year of both Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon, the boss is hoping for the pink outfit's momentum to be sustained.

"We’re over the half-way point of the season now and feeling upbeat about the remaining nine races.

"Along with Spa, there are some other tracks coming up that should allow us to show the speed of the VJM10.

"We are pushing hard with the development of this car and there are some further steps we will introduce over the next few events."

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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.