Formula One news

Expectations surpassed at Force India

Force India Team Principal Vijay Mallya is extremely pleased with his outfit's performances this season, as the Silverstone squad currently lies ninth in the Constructors' Championship. A shaky start has translated into race-winning pace at times, resulting in optimism ahead of 2010.

With Indian Mallya having expressed his pre-season desires of enjoying a points finish no later than the Spanish Grand Prix at Round 5, it wouldn't be until the Belgian race at the end of August for when Force India finally scored points, courtesy of Giancarlo Fisichella's superb drive to second behind Kimi Räikkönen's Ferrari.

"At the start of the year we wanted points but I also wanted to show a genuine improvement in every area of the company," said Mallya, who made a significant technical personnel reshuffle before the start of the campaign. "We have learned from the mistakes of last season and have really tightened up processes, procedures and working practices, which has ultimately helped us to score points and be proud of our achievements."

India's Vijay Mallya and Holland's Michiel Mol, team co-owners

With Fisichella - who has now been replaced by Vitantonio Liuzzi - and Sutil currently lying 15th and 16th in the Drivers' standings, how does Kingfisher tycoon Mallya sum up the year so far? "I would say this year has even exceeded our expectations as we have secured a podium, pole and fastest lap," he continued. "We can be really proud of that."

Despite also being disappointed to have lost out when a situation has looked promising, such as Sutil's first-lap crash with Jarno Trulli in Brazil, Mallya added that he hopes to be at least a consistent midfield team in the 26-car field of next season.

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