British Grand Prix preview
4 - 6 July 2008
1 July 2008 - The British Grand Prix later this week will
mark the mid-point of Force India's debut Formula One World
Championship season. It's an appropriate place for the team
to reach this milestone given the Silverstone Circuit, where
the race is held, is right opposite Force India's HQ.
As such, the British Grand Prix is seen by many as the team's
'home' race. Although preparations continue as normal, with
the cars re-built at the factory and then taken on a transporter
over to the circuit, it does make the event a special one
for the team and their families.
Following a solid French Grand Prix Force India will be looking
to move forward at Silverstone. At a three-day test at the
same circuit last week, the team debuted a major new aero
and mechanical package comprising new sidepods, bargeboards,
diffuser, front wing, engine cover, inerter damper and further
suspension modifications. With the developments looking positive,
the team has every hope of an improved finish in the ninth
round of the 18-round series.
Dr. Vijay Mallya, chairman and managing director
'The British Grand Prix will be a special race for the Force
India Formula One Team. With the history and heritage of this
team and its location just opposite the main gates of the
circuit, it's obviously considered by the team as its home
race.
'In the past, when this team was Jordan Grand Prix, there
was a real buzz whenever it came to Silverstone. The fans
supported it, the media enjoyed it and the atmosphere in the
factory was by all accounts electric. This team now really
needs to remember those days and try and recapture some of
the spirit. We're moving forward, that's for sure, and step
by step improving, but I really want everyone to feel proud
of where we are and what we have achieved. It's this race
in particular that really fires everyone up, let's put this
energy into a great performance in front of our 'home' crowd.'
Colin Kolles, team principal
'For sure we all look forward to this race as it's just across
from the factory so family and friends can come more than
they can to another race. We also have a lot of information
about the track from being on its doorstep, so it does feel
very familiar, but we don't approach it any differently to
any other event on the calendar. We ultimately have the same
aims we always have.
'The French Grand Prix clearly showed the steps forward we
have made in reliability, with our first two car finish since
the Bahrain Grand Prix, but now we need to be able to race
competitively and finish ahead of people.
'From a performance point of view, we have a significant
new aero and mechanical upgrade package we will use at Silverstone
for the first time that I expect to move us closer to the
field.'
Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer
'At the mid point of the season I think we are fairly much
where we expected to be. We are competitive in race conditions
and are able to fight with the group in front. We've also
had some good showings, with Monaco as a particular high point
with Adrian.
'We have also tried to sustain a cycle of development to
improve performance throughout the season and have moved forward
compared to where we were last year, but unfortunately Formula
One is so competitive this year that we've not been able to
show this progress in our results.
'After a productive test at Silverstone, we're looking forward
to the British Grand Prix this week. We tested our new aero
and mechanical configuration over the three days and received
very positive feedback from all three drivers. There was more
grip and downforce in general over one lap, and all reported
an increased stability under braking.
'It was unfortunate we lost some running time on Wednesday
with Giancarlo's accident, but the team was able to get the
car repaired and we managed pretty much to catch up with the
schedule and I'm confident we won't see any knock-on effects
this weekend.'
Driver quotes
Giancarlo Fisichella
'I'm motivated to do well in Britain now we've got a solid
finish under our belts at the last race in France. I've always
enjoyed and done well at Silverstone. Even though it's not
a particularly distinctive track it's very technical so you
need a good driving rhythm, good pace, good balance and constant
levels of grip. I also like the atmosphere there as the fans
are very enthusiastic, particularly for any British team.
'We'll be introducing our new aero package for this race.
We tested it at Silverstone last week and although my day
of testing was pretty much cut in half by the accident, up
to that point the car felt better than it has done in a while.
Even though we know Silverstone is going to be tough too,
any step forward will be a big help.
'I'm not feeling any ill effects from the accident: it really
looked worse than it was, I only wish I had remembered to
take my hands of the wheel so it would have spared me the
trip to hospital!'
Adrian Sutil
'I'm looking forward to Silverstone this year. It's good to
be at a circuit you really know well and you are comfortable
at. We test here a lot and of course the factory is so close,
it's like our home race. Personally I like the track, it's
quite challenging and really one of my favourites. The atmosphere
is great too, and with all the Lewis fans it should be a fantastic
race.
'The test here last week went well, we tried out the complete
new aero package with the wheel covers, engine cover and of
course the inerter damper that we hope will give us more stability.
If everything works well together, both on the aero and mechanical
side, it would be a good step forward for us, which we need
at the moment.
'My target for this race would be to get everything working
well and hopefully being in a position where we could race
and pass some cars. In Magny-Cours we were quite close, especially
on my middle stint where the lap times were good, but we just
need that little bit more to be able to get ahead of some
others.'
British Grand Prix information
Silverstone has one of the richest histories of any current
Grand Prix venue. The circuit holds the prestigious record
of being the first-ever venue for a Formula One race in the
official world championship, the 1950 British Grand Prix.
Back then, the circuit was a real speed-fest run on an airfield
with long, long straights separated by corners that demanded
only marginally less speed.
The circuit then underwent numerous modifications and until
1991 was still one of the fastest on the calendar with the
demanding Copse, Stowe and Club corners. It was here in 1985
that the fastest ever qualifying lap was recorded; Keke Rosberg
set an average speed of more than 250kph over one lap, a record
that stood for 16 years.
The circuit was modified to its current 5.141km configuration
in the late 90s. It's still fast and flowing, particularly
the Becketts complex that starts with a 290kph bend, although
the Luffield complex does lose the rhythm just before the
end of the lap. A medium downforce track, it's essential to
get a well balanced car for stability through the medium and
slow speed corners.
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