2013 Canadian GP: Force India Preview

Force India – On the verge of a century

The team’s performance in this season has been commendable with both the drivers faring well, earning 44 points, 7 ahead of their rival McLaren. The Monaco GP saw both the drivers in the top ten positions, which is something to cheer for Force India.

Team Principal Vijay Mallya is optimistic about his team’s chances at the Montreal. “I think we are now knocking on the door of our first podium finish since 2009, and it’s time to do that all-important step. Montreal would be a great place to do so It is a track that favors overtaking and our car has shown the race pace to finish among the leaders, so everything is possible.”

Unlike the Circuit de Monaco, Gilles Villeneuve circuit provides good opportunity for overtaking and Team Force India will try to make the best out of it .

Adrain Sutil , fresh from a fifth position at Monaco is hoping for a change of fortune at Montreal. History has not favoured Sutil in Gilles Villeneuve. Sutil fought back brilliantly at Monaco when his front wing got damaged in the first lap of the race. He made best use of the safety car situation and ended up in fifth place, his best place so far in this season. Sutil, with the right race strategy, can be a driver to look out for Force India this weekend.

Paul di Resta has been consistent for Force India in this season, nearly missing a podium position at the Bahrain GP. His performance has been applauded by everyone. Paul believes that the straight line speed plays a major part in the Canadian GP and is confident of a better show in the 100th race for Force India.

The tyre strategy comes into play due to higher tyre wear and degradation in the Gilles Villeneuve circuit . The Supersoft and Medium tyres being available for the race, teams with best tyre strategy will surely have the upper hand at Montreal.

Going into the race, Mercedes are having the upper hand with four consecutive pole positions and one podium finish. Based on record, McLaren can be a dark horse as they had won the race 13 times at Montreal, Lewis Hamilton being a part of it three times (2007, 2010, 2012). Ferrari had also won it 13 times but not in the recent past. They will be determined to turn the tables around this time. Also, one has to take into the dominance of the Red Bulls. So, a stiff competition can be expected among the four teams.

With Force India more determined in grabbing the podium position, we can expect a fascinating race this weekend.