Force India targeting “special result” to celebrate 200th race 

Force India wants to cap off its latest milestone in Formula 1 with a “special result”  as it prepares to celebrate its 200th race at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.

The Silverstone-based squad endured a difficult start to 2018 and has so far been unable to match the same levels of competitiveness that has seen the team secure fourth-place finishes in the constructors’ championship for the past two years. 

Following the Canadian Grand Prix, Sergio Perez said ongoing financial issues are holding back Force India’s development, with the team 34 points adrift of Renault, which is currently winning the battle for fourth place. 

Force India heads into the second leg of F1’s first-ever looking to bounce back from its first double retirement in almost two years at the French Grand Prix after Esteban Ocon was eliminated in a first-lap collision and Sergio Perez retired with an engine issue. 

“After a challenging weekend in France we hope that Austria will bring better fortunes,” Force India team principal Vijay Mallya said. “It’s our 200th race weekend and it would be nice to celebrate the milestone with a special result. It’s been a long journey since 2008 and I’m very proud of the results we have achieved, especially in 2016 and 2017. 

“It’s an incredibly busy time of the season with four races in five weeks and the fight in the middle of the grid remains very close. We will keep working hard to be at the front of the midfield as the season progresses.”

Perez - who has recorded five podiums during his time with Force India - admitted he never imagined he would have enjoyed the levels of success as he has when he joined the team ahead of the 2014 campaign. 

“200 races is a very special moment for the team and it’s been a big part of my life for five years now,” the Mexican said. “I have a lot of memories here, including five podiums. 

“When I look back to when I joined at the end of 2013, I never thought we would have had this kind of success together. We have grown a lot together and I have enjoyed the best years of the team.”