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Singapore GP is almost like a home Grand Prix for Force India-Mercedes, the Indian team in Formula One. But they need to do their homework well before they can make their fans happy.
The season that started off promisingly has went off track since the British GP. Just a single point finish in the last four races has given the Silverstone based team some sleepless nights. While clearly the VJM06 is lacking speed and suffering from reliability issues, the team believes that it is more to do with the tyres.
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After the tyre fiasco with Pirelli, the teams were made to switch from steel to kevlar-belted tyres. The tyre change helped the nearest rival and struggling McLaren-Mercedes gain some advantage, and left Force India grappling for grip and points.
While the struggle story might just continue, the team would be hoping they can salvage some redemption at Singapore, a place which has seen them perform well in the past.
Adrian Sutil
Adrian Sutil is yet to get a confirmed seat for the 2014 season
The German has had quite a few decent runs in the season, with a fifth place in Monaco being his best, but has fallen behind his team mate. To add to his woes, after three retirements in the season, he was awarded a penalty in qualifying at Monza for impeding his former good friend Lewis Hamilton. It’s not been an easy comeback for the veteran driver at Force India after an 18-month lay-off from Formula One. His best finish was 9th in the Driver’s table in 2011. The last time he raced at Singapore, Sutil had earned a well fought eighth. Sutil would be hoping for a repeat of that performance and get back in the points. Although, the thoughts about not having a confirmed seat for next year will be playing on his mind.
Adrian Sutil’s record at Singapore GP
Number of Race Starts | 4 |
Wins | Nil |
Pole Positions | Nil |
Podiums | Nil |
Paul di Resta would be looking to end his miserable run at Singapore
Di Resta has been the front runner for Force India with an astonishing fourth place finish at Bahrain. But the last two races were highly disappointing thanks to back-to-back retirements. The Englishman, though, loves the street circuit at Marina Bay. He finished fourth last year – his best finish in the 2012 season. While expecting him to repeat the performance would be something that the team and fans would enjoy, it won’t be an easy task considering their recent form and some really fast and competitive cars ahead of the Force India.
Paul de Resta’s record at Singapore GP
Number of Race Starts | 2 |
Wins | Nil |
Pole Positions | Nil |
Podiums | Nil |
Teammate Round Up
While there seems to be no visible rift between the team mates, both would be trying to outdo the other to get the best out of their cars. The top priority for the Force India remains to catch McLaren and finish in fifth place in the Constructor’s table, and a team mate rivalry is the last thing they would need. On the flip side, if both the drivers can finish among the points, it will be a double bonanza.
