Force India hasn't enjoyed a satisfactory start to its milestone 200th Grand Prix weekend, with Sergio Perez failing to make the Q2 cut and Esteban Ocon ending his qualifying run just outside the top ten.
The Silverstone-based outfit has failed to hold its own this season as 'best of the rest', its performance falling short of expectations, and it was another disappointing display Saturday afternoon unfortunately.
Perez's qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring was particularly painful, the Mexican struggling for speed around the short 4.3 km track and failing to make it into Q2.
"I am disappointed to go out of qualifying so early today. It was definitely not the result we were expecting," said Perez.
"We struggled so much for balance and just not getting everything perfect.
"Issues like the battery, like some traffic also on my lap meant that losing a tenth or so puts you out of the next round.
"We didn’t have the pace the whole weekend. I’ve struggled for balance.
"I feel we made some good steps forward with the car this weekend, even though we weren’t able to show it today, and we will give everything to try and recover some points tomorrow."
While Ocon outperformed his team mate, he still came up short in his efforts to secure a spot among the top ten on Sunday's grid. A free tyre choice for race day could prove a benefit however.
"We were missing a tenth or two to make the difference because the middle of the grid is very close," said the Frenchman.
"It’s not been the easiest weekend and we have struggled to find the pace, especially over a single lap. I think the developments we have coming for the future races will give us the boost we need.
"The positive thing about P11 is that we have a free choice of tyres tomorrow and can start the race on new tyres. For tomorrow I’m only looking forward and aiming for points."
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