New Force India scores double points finish on debut

It was an impressive ‘start’ to the season for Force India. Well I say start to the season, as that is what the team have said after debuting their ‘B Spec’ car at Silverstone this weekend.

Once again in the hands of Nico Hulkenberg the car impressed. Getting away well at the start the German got ahead of both the Ferraris, and stay ahead. It was only until the pitstops where he lost out, and dropped to 7th by the end of the race.

“That was an entertaining afternoon and it’s great to come away from our home race with a good bunch of points,” said Hulkenberg.

“My start was sensational – maybe the best I ever had in Formula One – and I rocketed up to fifth place ahead of the two Ferraris.

“I was able to keep them behind me for the first stint, but they had too much pace and were able to use the strategy to jump us by pitting early. When the rain arrived at the end of the race the track was very slippery. I was a bit unfortunate with the timing because I had just passed the pit lane entry when the rain became really heavy and I had to do a full lap before I could change to intermediates.

“Overall, though, I think seventh place is a great result and we should be satisfied. A lot of the performance today is down to the updates we brought here. It’s moved us in the right direction so I have to say a big well done to the team.”

Sergio Perez in the second car was a little more challenging after starting outside the top ten. With a little more luck he could have got further into the top ten, but as he said, the pit stops didn’t go his way either.

“Finishing with both cars in the points at Silverstone is a very positive step for the team,” the Mexican said at the end of the race.

“We probably could have been even higher up, but the strategy didn’t really work out in my favour. After my first stop, I lost a position to Sainz and I spent a few laps stuck behind him when my tyres were at their best.

“I was in the dirty air and struggling with the front tyres, which had a lot of graining. When the second rain shower came we had a lot of discussions over the radio about what call to make and unfortunately we waited too long, which cost us a place.

“When you get opportunities and you don’t make the best of them you are obviously disappointed, but I think we should focus on the positives of this weekend. We’ve shown good progress and there is a lot of potential for the second half of the season.”

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