Despite its new Indian ownership,
Force India will always be regarded as the 'home' team whenever
Formula One visits
Silverstone, and hopes that it can find some 'home field advantage' at this weekend's British Grand Prix.
Based just across the road from the historic circuit since its original incarnation as Jordan, Force India is hoping that a solid performance in the French Grand Prix can lead to forward steps being taken at Silverstone, as the recent three-day test there saw the team debut a major new aero and mechanical package, comprising new sidepods, bargeboards, diffuser, front wing, engine cover, inertia damper and suspension modifications.
"We have tried to sustain a cycle of development to improve performance throughout the season, and have moved forward compared to where we were last year, but unfortunately Formula One is so competitive this year that we've not been able to show this progress in our results," chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne admitted.
"At the mid-point of the season, I think we are fairly much where we expected to be. We are competitive in race conditions and are able to fight with the group in front. We've also had some good showings, with Monaco as a particular high point.
"Now, after a productive test at Silverstone, we're looking forward to the British Grand Prix. We tested our new aero and mechanical configuration over the three days and received very positive feedback from all three drivers. There was more grip and downforce in general over one lap, and all reported an increased stability under braking. It was unfortunate that we lost some running time on Wednesday with Giancarlo [Fisichella]'s accident, but the team was able to get the car repaired and we managed pretty much to catch up with the schedule. I'm confident we won't see any knock-on effects this weekend."
Fisichella will be fit for the weekend, despite having had to visit a local medical facility after his crash a week ago, and is confident that the new parts will help make the VJM01 a more competitive proposition.
