Formula One news

Force India strong in free practice

The Force India teams recent improved pace continued today in free practice for the Italian Grand Prix at the historic Autodromo Nazionale di Monza. Following on from its successful three day test at the same circuit two weeks ago and strong performance in the Belgian Grand Prix, Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella recorded the first and third fastest times in the opening practice session and the 9th and 13th in the second.

"The first session was very difficult, even in the better conditions in the first 30 minutes," said Sutil. "There were some dry and some wet patches and it was very difficult to see where you could go . Even in the second practice there were still some damp parts and it wasn't until the last minute that you could push hard. I am quite happy with the car and didn't really change anything from the set up we developed at the test. We also concentrated on getting the tyres to work. We had a good day and I feel quite confident, so let's see if we can have a good day tomorrow."

Giancarlo Fisichella commented, "It was a fairly good day, but I think there is still more to come tomorrow. Unfortunately I was just behind Adrian, who was on his out lap, when I was on my fastest lap so I couldn't do the optimum time. I am not 100% happy with the balance as I had a lot of graining on the medium tyres but it wasn't too bad with the hard tyres. We still have to find a compromise with the downforce, but I think we could improve again tomorrow."

Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer added, "A useful first day that I think it continues our stronger form from the past two races. With the difficult conditions in the first session we managed to run both types of wet weather tyres and also completed some running in the dry. Obviously in the second session we had some useful dry running and overall the cars look competitive here again, as we were in the test. We have to see what the weather conditions will give us for tomorrow, but we are well prepared for all eventualities."

more news

• 08 Nov.
  • Hamilton learned a lot in 2009
• 07 Nov.
  • Alonso enjoys first Ferrari factory visit
  • Brawn looking forward to Senna debut
• 06 Nov.
  • Follow GPUpdate.net on Twitter!
  • Wind tunnel operator sues Force India
  • Toyota-assisted Kobayashi eyeing Lotus seat
  • Sutil: Abu Dhabi 'a shame' for Force India
  • Lee McKenzie's End of Season Review 2009
  • Lotus wanting experienced drivers
  • Anthony Hamilton: Räikkönen the best option for McLaren
• 05 Nov.
  • Renault decision to come in December
  • GPUpdate TV: Vettel receives sports car prize
  • Ecclestone: 2 days for Silverstone to sign
  • Etihad and Aldar to pay damages to Force India
  • 'F1 organisers to blame for lost teams' - Ferrari
  • Hülkenberg to test Williams next month
• 04 Nov.
  • FIA warns again: Credit crunch will win
  • Renault holds emergency meeting about F1 future
  • FOTA thanks Toyota's Howett
  • Ekström beats Schumacher for Race of Champions
  • Hülkenberg targeting Barrichello pace
  • Photos: Race of Champions 2009
  • Pirelli not interested in F1
  • Vettel and Schumacher win ROC Nations Cup
  • Toyota highlights reasons for F1 exit
  • Official: Toyota leaves Formula One
  • An interview with Kamui Koabayshi
• 03 Nov.
  • 'Toyota set to end Formula 1 project'
  • Red Bull to announce engine partner 'very shortly'
  • Schumacher: Comeback was for Felipe
  • Trulli on lookout for clear racing rules
  • Räikkönen too expensive, says Brawn
  • Horner aware of 2010 challengers
  • Michael: Hülkenberg following Hamilton-like path
• 02 Nov.
  • Brawn thanks Barrichello for contribution
  • Kubica to drive in French rally
  • 2010: The grid so far
  • Alonso won't drive Ferrari until February
  • Williams confirms Barrichello and Hülkenberg for 2010
  • Optimism at Renault for next year

Homepage