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(Sahara Force India Formula One Team)
The Sahara Force India Formula One Team head into this
weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix hoping to carry forward their momentum from the
season opening Australian Grand Prix.
The Silverstone based outfit secured a double points finish
with Nico Hulkenberg finishing the race in 7th place and Sergio ‘Checco’
Perez coming home in 10th place. As a result the Sahara Force India
Formula One Team who only had two days of testing with their new F1 car during
the winter are currently in sixth place in the championship on seven points.
Reflecting on the opening race and looking ahead to
Malaysia, a delighted Sahara Force India F1 Team Principal Dr Vijay Mallya
stated:
‘Starting our season in Melbourne with both cars in the points was the
ideal way to open our 2015 account. Those seven points were an important reward
for all the hard work of everyone in the team over the winter and give us
something to build upon as we head for Malaysia.
“Despite scoring well in Melbourne, we know the VJM08 is only just
beginning its development journey and that we need to add performance if we
want to finish consistently in the points. There will be some small tweaks this
weekend before bigger steps can be made during the European season.
“Malaysia is an interesting track for us. We had a good race there last
year with Nico and it’s a track that generates good racing. The hot weather
usually plays to our strengths and the risk of rain can add another dimension
to the strategy. Hopefully we can capitalise on these elements to be
competitive and come away with another strong result.’
Looking ahead to the Malaysian
Grand Prix, Nico Hulkenberg stated:
‘I am really looking forward to getting back to action in Sepang after a
fairly positive start of the season. We knew the VJM08's reliability was one of
our strong points and we were able to play that card well. We didn't make any
mistakes and we had a good strategy, and that helped us capitalise on a day
when others ran into trouble. We need to keep our feet on the ground, however,
because we know the circumstances in which we got this result and we know the
next races will be tough.
“The track in Sepang is quite challenging and is very different compared
to Melbourne. The various sectors have unique characteristics: there is a nice
variation of high and low-speed corners and two very long straights. You need
to balance your setup between top speed and downforce to make the most of your
car in each of them. The high temperatures and humidity add to the challenges
of this track, and you always have a threat of rain, especially at the start of
the race.
“I have spent the week after Melbourne in Indonesia, having a bit of a
holiday, but also training and getting used to the climate. It’s always better
to stay on the local time zone and I’m feeling in good shape for this weekend.’
Sergio ‘Checco’ Perez stated:
‘Malaysia is a very special place for me. It is where I got my first
podium in Formula One, in one of the best races of my career in 2012, so I will
always have happy memories about this circuit. The track is really interesting
and the three sectors each have their own character. The track is physical but
it has some very technical parts as well. You also have some very long
straights at the end of the lap that offer a lot of opportunities for
overtaking.
“The weather always makes it interesting. When you are racing in Sepang
it is something that is always in the back of your mind, because you know a
sudden rainstorm can throw up some unexpected strategies and opportunities you
can exploit. The heat and the humidity are a big challenge, but as a driver you
are prepared for this. You work really hard during the pre-season and every day
with your trainer to be at your best in these circumstances, so I know I am
ready.
“I am looking forward to going racing again after our first run in
Melbourne. We are still learning a lot about the full potential of the VJM08
and every time we hit the track we are going to find some improvements. We are
aware of the work needed to make our car more competitive, but we also know it
is going to take time. The car feels really promising but it needs development
and I look forward to getting some upgrades soon.
“Malaysia is a very beautiful country, but I can't say I have any
favourite spots. You don't get to see much of a place when you arrive for a
race weekend, but sometimes you manage to squeeze in some nice experiences. I
heard Kuala Lumpur has a lot of great dining opportunities so I hope to be able
to try a few - I really like Asian food!”
© Ben Johnston 2015
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