“We missed a big opportunity to qualify well because of the crash – both cars lost their positions and a definite possibility to go into Q2 – and the race was not spectacular as a result. I was really just driving around without much chance of overtaking anyone so it was a little boring, but it's another finish at least. Let's move onto Germany, where I hope I can really take advantage of the new parts we had this weekend.”

Indeed, the overall pace displayed over the course of the meeting was further evidence that Force India is making solid progress in 2009, and can stake a claim to having overtaken Scuderia Toro Rosso and traditional front-runners McLaren-Mercedes, Renault and BMW-Sauber in the pecking order – given the comparatively modest resources at its disposal, no mean feat at all. It is also a fact that is far from lost on chairman and team principal Dr Vijay Mallya.

“It was a very impressive race performance from Force India,” underlined the Kingfisher Airlines billionaire. “We had our fair share of bad luck in qualifying with Adrian's shunt, which unfortunately ruined Fisi's lap as well. Who knows, if we had started further up the grid as we had hoped maybe points would have been in reach.

“Nevertheless, I am very happy that both cars finished; reliability is good, we're competitive and keeping pace with all the others and we beat some top teams as well. Obviously I am delighted that we are getting there, slowly but steadily. I'm very hopeful for the next few races.”