Top ten points finish possible for Force India in Bahrain
Both Sutil and Liuzzi are confident they can finish in the points in Bahrain
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By Chris Cousens. |  |
Wednesday, 10, Mar 2010 12:12
By Adam Leveridge
Force India drivers Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi are confident they have a good baseline with the VJM03, despite having their testing programmes hindered by heavy rainfall.
After a late start to development of the 2009 challenger, Force India took a major step forward midseason and was able to challenge for wins at the faster circuits on the calendar.
This step gave Force India a solid foundation on which to base their 2010 contender, the VJM03, and puts them in a strong position heading to Bahrain for the opening round of the season.
"Winter testing was difficult because of the rain, as we couldn't get much running in the dry," said Sutil.
"The final tests in Jerez and Barcelona were quite good; we did our long runs and se good times, so we are prepared.
"The baseline looks very good with the changes we made to the aerodynamics over the winter and we are confident our car is good enough to be in the top ten.
"At the beginning of last year we had a good baseline, but not enough downforce and it was all a little bit late.
"We went into last winter with a good car and we've had no changes within the team, so everything is very consistent and I think that is the key to improving your car.
"In Bahrain I hope to be in the top ten, I think that's definitely possible."
Liuzzi echoed Sutil's sentiments and he believes the Silverstone-based team will come away from Bahrain with a solid points haul.
"Unfortunately, under the current regulations we don't do much pre-season testing and, with such bad weather, we weren't able to get as much mileage as we wanted," said Liuzzi.
"But, it's the same for everybody and we just need to show that we did a better job during those tests by being ready for Bahrain.
"In my five years in F1, this is the most balanced car I've driven, so that makes me feel as though I'm in a strong position.
"For the first race we want to show that our work over the winter had paid off and I think a few points are possible."