F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Force India confident of another strong showing in Japan

Vijay Mallya says he is confident Force India can deliver another “competitive performance” at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, after securing a double points finish in Malaysia last Sunday.

Team-mates Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg came home sixth and eighth respectively at the Sepang International Circuit, as Force India narrowly outscored Williams in the fight for P4 in the Constructors’ standings.

The Silverstone-based outfit has now bagged points at every race since the Austrian GP in June and Mallya does not see the trend ending in round 17 of this year’s world championship.

“We head to Suzuka off the back of a very strong weekend in Sepang,” said the Force India team boss. “Scoring twelve points strengthened our fourth place in the championship and showed, once again, that the VJM09 is a car that is competitive on any kind of circuit.

“I think we were a little unlucky with how the race unfolded, but we made the most of the situation and came away with some important points.

“It means we can arrive in Japan confident of another competitive performance. The team is working extremely hard, the drivers are extracting the performance from the car, and we are looking forward to the challenge that awaits us this weekend.”

Force India currently leads Williams by three points (124 to 121) with five races left in the 2016 campaign.

2016 Malaysian Grand Prix - Quotes of the week

F1i's driver ratings for the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix

FULL REPORT: Ricciardo wins in Malaysia as Hamilton retires from lead

Breakfast with... Gianni Morbidelli

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

‘Not my choice’: Horner breaks silence on Lawson-Tsunoda switch

The Formula 1 paddock was rocked early last season when Liam Lawson was unceremoniously demoted…

22 mins ago

Häkkinen marvels at Piastri but McLaren can have only one champion

Two-time F1 world champion Mika Häkkinen has delivered a glowing tribute to Oscar Piastri –…

2 hours ago

Hadjar: ‘Very open’ Verstappen making life easier at Red Bull

Isack Hadjar is preparing for his first full season with Red Bull Racing, and that…

3 hours ago

François Cevert: The Prince who would have been King

François Cevert - seen here trying for size his future Tyrrell 005 at the British…

5 hours ago

Hamilton’s winning advice in the age of AI: ‘Stay curious’

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton isn’t just revving up for a new Formula 1 season…

6 hours ago

Ecclestone and Briatore unleash on ‘chaotic’ 2026 F1 season

Former F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone and Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatore may have mellowed with…

7 hours ago