Force India aiming for regular points in 2010

Tuesday 09th March 2010, 17:32  Ryan Wood

Regular points and podiums. That is the aim of Force India this season according to team owner and principal, Vijay Mallya.

He told the Force India website that after the high of 2009, the team must push to raise their game once again.

"We finished 2009 on a real high note - our first-ever points, a podium and one place up in the constructors' championship. That is enough in itself to set the bar much higher this season," said Mallya.

"We're really determined to take it to the next level. Regular points and the odd podium have got to be the aim and we know it is possible.

"I have a lot of faith in the drivers and the technical staff, I think we've got into a very good rhythm together now."

Force India have shown some strong pace in pre-season testing, even Lewis Hamilton noted the team's performance when he ranked them as a possible competitor along with Sauber.

Mallya was encouraged by the teams showing too.

"The testing times gave very positive headlines, but it is very difficult to know where we are until we get to Bahrain.

"Certainly however the initial reports from the drivers are encouraging and when that happens it's worth another three to four tenths - if they feel happy and confident in the car then that they can really attack."

The Indian billionaire ended by praising his team back at the factory: "I think Mark [Smith] and his team have done an excellent job."

The image accompanying this article has been sourced from it's respective owner and is subject to copyright. Images come courtesy of; mclaren.com, ferrari.com, redbull/getty, mercedesgp.com, forceindiaf1.com, renaultf1.com, toyota, bmw-sauber, williamsf1/lat, lotus and virgin.