01/11/2009
NEWS STORY
The Force India Formula One Team secured ninth position in the constructors' championship in today's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship.
Tonio Liuzzi and Adrian Sutil finished in 15th and 17th positions respectively in the first-ever event at the Yas Marina Circuit. With starting positions relatively far down the field, scoring points was a tall objective, however both Adrian and Tonio enjoyed close battles throughout the race with both Renaults - Adrian overtaking Grosjean on the final lap - and the Ferrari of Fisichella.
The team finishes the season with a total of 13 points, with one podium, one pole position and one fastest lap to its name.
Adrian Sutil: We had some problems at the start of the race with the tyres and had to stop earlier than expected to change to a new set. The two stop strategy was the right one and the race went OK although we obviously didn't get any points, which was the aim. All the same it has been a very good season, naturally with a lot of ups and downs, but we've gone massively forward from the beginning of the season to the end. I think we can be very proud of this progress.
Tonio Liuzzi: Overall I thought we got the maximum from the car today but unfortunately we had a problem with the brakes more or less from the beginning of the race so we couldn't really fight for positions. I was behind the Williams at the start and one of the Toyotas in the middle of the race so we were pretty much mixing it in the midfield. We had a problem with the soft tyres in the first 15 laps that caused a lot of oversteer so I think it is the maximum we could have achieved. We knew it would be difficult to score points and although I would have liked to get some on the board at the end of the season I am happy we have showed some good form in these five races.
Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal: Of course points would have been a fitting end to the season, but sadly we could not achieve them today. All the same both drivers gave it absolutely everything until the final lap and I couldn't have asked for more. It's been an excellent season for Force India this year and I would like to thank the entire team, both at the track and at our bases in Silverstone and Brackley, for their outstanding commitment and skills that have led to this success. We have achieved our objectives and then some more and can only build on this over the winter into 2010.