Mallya in confident mood

Street circuits suit struggling team

Last updated: 22nd August 2008

Vijay Mallya 18/7/2008

Mallya: looking to 2009

Vijay Mallya is still hoping that Force India will break their points duck in Formula One this season.

After 11 races neither Giancarlo Fisichella nor Adrian Sutil have scored a point, leaving Force India as the only team with nothing whatsoever to show for their season.

But ahead of this weekend's European Grand Prix, Indian billionaire and co-owner Mallya is looking for that to change.

Despite the fact his team will now primarily be concentrating on next year's car, he said: "2009 is a big opportunity. But there are still points up for grabs this year and we need to look to maximise them now.

Competitive

"What Force India has proved is that we look competitive in race conditions and, under the right circumstances, can pick up points if the chances come our way.

"We've performed well on street courses too, and with two in the final part, this could be a good opportunity for us.

"We need to look for 100 per cent reliability to ensure that whenever these chances come our way we are really able to take advantage.

"If we take our eye off the ball we could miss out on getting some good finishes.

"That said, work for 2009 will step up immensely towards the end of the season so we can make sure we are ready."