Baku podium brought back Force India's momentum - Mallya

Force India team owner Vijay Mallya says the team's podium result in Baku delivered a welcome boost to the pink squad, and one it hopes to capitalize on in Barcelona next weekend.

After a good qualifying performance in Azerbaijan, the Silverstone-based outfit was looking at a difficult Sunday when Esteban Ocon retired on the first lap of the race and Sergio Perez lost ground at the start.

The Mexican eventually recovered however to produce a heroic drive which - coupled with lucky circumstances - led him to a third place finish.

Top teams overlooking Perez is 'criminal', says Force India boss

"Baku feels like a turning point in our season," says Mallaya in Force India's Spanish Grand Prix preview.

"The podium has given us a huge boost and is just the result we needed. It helps us forget about the bad luck and missed opportunities from the first few races."

Indeed, the team failed to hold its own at the head of the mid-field when the season got underway in Melbourne, undermined by correlation issues and an upgrade package that did not deliver on expectations.

Force India's pace has gradually improved however on the back of the team investigating its issues and conducting diligent development work.

"Our speed in Baku confirms we are moving in the right direction," adds Mallya.

"We understand the car more and we are taking steps forward at each race. With the podium it feels as though our season is up and running.

"We now have some momentum behind us. Let’s see what we can do in Barcelona where we will have more new parts to try on the car."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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.