(© Ben Johnston 2015)
The Sahara Force India Formula One Team endured an extremely
tough qualifying session for tomorrow’s Spanish Grand Prix, the opening race of
the European leg of the 2015 as Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio ‘Checco’ Perez will
start the race from 17th and 18th place respectively. The
Silverstone based outfit have endured a difficult start to their season as they
are currently in 8th place in the championship on eleven points.
Speaking following today’s qualifying, Nico Hulkenberg
stated:
‘Barcelona is always a big test of downforce and car balance, and that’s
where we are struggling at the moment, so it made for a difficult day. To be
honest, I was hoping for a bit more than P17 because I was P12 in final
practice, but it was much hotter and windier this afternoon which didn’t help
us. My final lap was not great, but it’s not easy when the car is working in
such a narrow window. The long run performance yesterday looked more promising
so I would like to think we can race with the Saubers and the McLarens tomorrow.’
Sergio ‘Checco’ Perez commented on his day saying:
‘It hasn't been an ideal weekend so far, even though we always knew this
was going to be one of our weaker circuits in qualifying. We just don’t have
the performance in the car at the moment and, on a track with so many
high-speed corners, that really hurts your lap time. However, we have to remain
optimistic about the race: we may be starting in a low position, but that doesn't
mean we cannot fight hard and we know that our race pace is looking more
competitive. It’s going to be hard, but it's a long race and we will give
everything to try and get a good result.’
The Silverstone based outfit will introduce a new B spec car
ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. Speaking following the
day of on track action, Sahara Force India Deputy Team Principal Robert Fernley
stated:
‘We always knew that the characteristics of this track would give us a
tough task this weekend and our grid positions are a reflection of that.
Although we’ve struggled for one lap pace, the longer runs yesterday give us
cause for some optimism and I think we can still race well on Sunday afternoon.
The race won't be an easy one, but there’s no doubt that both drivers will push
hard to move forward and will be targeting some points.’
© Ben Johnston 2015
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