Mallya: Force India can consolidate or improve on fourth

The Silverstone-based squad has finished fourth in the constructors’ championship for the last two seasons, only beaten by big-budgeted Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull outfits.

However, with McLaren ditching uncompetitive Honda engines and Renault now in its third year of return, several people have voiced their doubts about Force India’s ability to remain as the ‘best of the rest’ team.

While Mallya expects increased competition this season, he feels the stability of his squad will allow it to at least retain fourth place in the standings, if not improve upon it.

“Everybody keeps telling me that it will be difficult to repeat the double fourth place, but I see no reason why we cannot consolidate our position and improve,” Mallya said in an interview for Force India’s official site.

“Yes, Formula One is a very tough and competitive environment, but we are an established team with continuity in all areas of the company.

“We don’t take anything for granted, but we will be disappointed if we are not fighting for points at every race this year.”

Force India has won plenty of plaudits for consistently being F1’s best midfield team, despite one of the smallest budgets on the grid.

When asked to explain the key reasons behind the team’s success story, Mallya stressed upon financial efficiency and a strong team management.

“I think the size of our team forces us to justify every pound spent,” he said. “Before any project is given the green light, we ask: ‘Will it make the car go faster?’

“We rely on good long-term decision-making because there are no quick fixes in Formula One. Our competitiveness today is a combination of the good decisions made during the last ten years.

“The leadership of Otmar Szafnauer and Andrew Green has brought us great vision and the conviction to follow through on important strategic decisions, such as the shift to the wind tunnel in Cologne."