F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Force India confidence boosted before Montreal

By putting both its drivers in the points at Monaco last weekend, Force India has regained its confidence momentum according to deputy team principal Bob Fernley.

Both Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg endured a rather lacklustre start to the 2016 campaign, losing the momentum it enjoyed in the latter part of last season, following the introduction of its B-spec VJM08 chassis.

But the team's outright performance in Monte-Carlo, rewarded with a double -points finish with Perez on the podium and Hulkenberg placing sixth, has put Vijay Mallya's outfit back on the right track.

According to Fernley, there will be more to come from Force India in the upcoming races.

"Being able to get both cars in the points was incredibly encouraging because that's something we've struggled to do," Fernley told Autosport.

"We just needed to have a bit of good fortune because we'd had a terrible run of being in the wrong place at the wrong time for the first four races.

"Clearly our biggest rival is Toro Rosso, and we had a good result against them in Monaco which has moved us back up to fifth in the constructors' championship.

"As we were also competitive in Barcelona after putting the updates on the car, we've shown it is now competitive, and the team is competitive again.

"That gives the whole team a significant lift in confidence ahead of upcoming tracks that should be good for us."

Given the car's latest upgrades and its constantly evolving update process, Fernley isn't expecting any specific problems linked with the next two tracks.

"It should be fine for us. I don't expect any issues in Montreal. Perhaps even the next street track in Baku for the Grand Prix of Europe will also suit us. So let's get those two out of the way and then we will reassess."

Technical analysis - Monaco

From the cockpit: Felipe Nasr on a controversial Monaco Grand Prix

Scene at the 2016 Monaco Grand Prix

Driver ratings - Monaco Grand Prix

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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.