Zoom Much improved pace from the VJM02

Force India Mercedes packed up and headed back to its Silverstone base disappointed last night after its potential first points from the season slipped from their grasp.

Adrian Sutil qualified his VJM02 a sensational seventh on the grid and despite losing one position at the start, was soon back battling for a solid points haul.

The German driver ran as high as second during the pitstop sequence on lap 25 and 26 and pitted on the next lap for his first scheduled service. Exiting the pits Sutil found himself wheel to wheel with Kimi Raikkonen and as they negotiated the first turn the two cars made light contact.

It was nothing more than a racing incident but it ended Sutil’s hopes of points as he was forced back to the pits with damage to the front wing. He took the chequered flag 15th. Team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella had a good race from 18th on the grid to finish 11th.

Despite the disappointment, the team are encouraged by the recent turn of speed show at Silverstone by Fisichella and this weekend in Germany by Sutil.

"I am very proud of the team and both our drivers," stated Team Principal Vijay Mallya. "From free practice onwards we have shown a big step forward and our performance has been very competitive.

"It's just a shame that after such a great weekend performance that we don't have any points to show for it. Both that's motorsport - these incidents happen. The next race is only in a couple of weeks so we'll refocus on this and try to finish the job in Hungary."

Sutil himself was philosophical about the incident and looking at the big picture as the team certainly has made a big gain with the package following the aero update at the British Grand Prix.

"We shouldn't be that disappointed with this result as we have had a good weekend and the next one will come very soon," Sutil explained.

"When I went out of the pit lane I saw Kimi coming on the outside of the corner and I just tried to hold my line but he went to the outside and I touched him and lost part of my front wing," he explained. "That's really when I thought the race was over for the points as I had to come back in."

Earl ALEXANDER
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