Mallya expecting Force India to bounce back at Silverstone

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Force India owner Vijay Mallya echoed the sentiment expressed by the rest of his team over the outfit's disappointing Austrian GP weekend, but was also confident the total underperformance was a one-off which would not be repeated next weekend at Silverstone.

Starting second on the Red Bull Ring grid, Nico Hulkenberg suffured a total performance collapse in the race, while a brake failure robbed Sergio Perez of an 8th place finish on the last lap, adding insult to injury for Force India.

“Leaving Austria empty-handed was very disappointing," Mallya said.

"We showed good form throughout the weekend, but various factors prevented us from realising our true potential. We’ve understood what went wrong and I’m confident we can bounce back this weekend at Silverstone.

Mallya, who has yet to attend a race this year as he tends to his personal legal woes with the Indian courts, believes the British Grand Prix will provide the perfect opportunity for Force India to get its momentum back.

“We shouldn’t let one unlucky race overshadow the great results we have been achieving recently. We’re sitting fifth in the championship and the battle for fourth remains wide open with twelves races still to go.

"We’ve got some extra performance coming for the VJM09 this weekend and that should help us for the races leading up to the summer break.

The proximity of the Northamptonshire venue with the team's home base - located just next door to the Silverstone track - is but another appealing bonus for Force India's crews and family.

“There is no denying that Silverstone is one of the most special races of the whole season. Being so close to our factory, just across the road, means our staff can be close to the action and we enjoy incredible support from our fans.

"The British Grand Prix is one of the classic races on the calendar and the atmosphere is unique: the supporters are brilliant and knowledgeable; there is a party atmosphere in the campsites and the weekend is a true celebration of our sport.”

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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.