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Force India targets Williams in constructors' championship
Force India now has its sights set on overhauling Williams in the constructors’ championship this year after its run of two podiums from the last three races.
Jonathan Noble
Published: Jun 28, 2016, 12:45 PM
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An upgrade package that the Silverstone-based team introduced at the Spanish GP has led to an upturn in form and, after Sergio Perez finished third in Monaco and Baku, it now lies in fifth place in the constructors’ standings.
Although the outfit is well aware that Toro Rosso is only 27 points behind, it senses an opportunity to move forward more and close down the 31-point advantage that Williams has over it.
Speaking about whether thoughts had shifted towards challenging Williams for fourth place, deputy team principal Bob Fernley told Motorsport.com: “I think we have got to be careful. First of all, our primary goal is making sure we secure fifth and maintain it.
“We shouldn’t underestimate Toro Rosso. They are a good team with a good car. But clearly, we would be lying if we didn’t say we didn’t have our eyes on Williams. And that should be our goal.”
Upgrade boost
Fernley says that Force India’s confidence has been lifted by the developments it brought on board from the Spanish Grand Prix, but says the start of the season did not deliver the results hoped for because of bad luck.
“We did believe and we should have had the car performing better in the first four races,” he explained. “The actual package that we had for the first four races was capable of points all the way through.
“We just had some terrible misfortune, and hopefully that is behind us. At Barcelona, we put the upgrade on, and the car performed as expected.
“But even then we had Nico Hulkenberg’s car on fire. So it’s only since Monaco that we have been able to deliver, and working with two cars, as opposed to one with our hands tied behind our back.”
Fernley also believes that the form between the two teams will ebb and flow over the campaign, depending on track characteristics.
“I think you will find that during the season,” he said. “Some tracks you will find Williams ahead of us, and at other tracks we will be there.
“I think it will be about who optimises those opportunities the most, and equally does the damage limitation when necessary. It will be an interesting balance to the season. There is a long way to go.”
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