Formula One news

Force India ahead of Honda

The Force India team today started its preparations for the penultimate round of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship. Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil completed more than 100 laps in total as they worked through a normal Friday programme of tyre and set-up evaluation and completed some longer runs in the afternoon finishing 17th and 18th respectively, ahead of the two Hondas.

"Today was a pretty normal Friday and we got through all the work we needed to," said Sutil. "We are still struggling for grip a little and to get the tyres to work, but we did improve over the day and there's still one more practice tomorrow. We seem to be more competitive on the low downforce tracks like Spa and Fuji, so with the corners and higher downforce levels we use here this track doesn't suit us as much. We'll still push to be as good as we possibly can."

Giancarlo Fisichella commented, "This morning the balance wasn't great as we were struggling with grip and the tyres as well. For the afternoon session we made a step forward with the set-up so it was more comfortable and we could improve a fair bit. I still think there is still some room for improvement tomorrow."

Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer added, "A normal first day of running, with no real mechanical problems on either car. We are struggling with a lack of grip and getting the temperature into the tyres, but all in all we got through our programme and things look good for the weekend."

more news

• 26 Nov.
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams

Homepage