Formula 1

Force India Drivers Enjoy Eventful Races In Monaco

2 Mins read

Both Force India drivers had eventful races in Monaco: Adrian Sutil suffered a puncture after hitting a barrier and Paul di Resta damaged his front wing and earned himself a drive-through penalty from the stewards after an over-ambitious overtaking attempt resulted in an accident.

Sutil brought the car home in seventh place to earn himself and his team a decent six points whilst di Resta had to settle for P12.

“I started the race on the prime tyres and our plan was to do a one-stop strategy,” explained Sutil. “When the first safety car came out I pitted to take the option tyres and I knew I would be on them for a very long time.

“I tried to make them last, although they dropped off with about 15 laps to go and that's when I had a big train of cars behind me. It was then that I ran wide on the marbles at turn 12, which gave me a right rear puncture. But that's when the safety car came out and I pitted to change tyres so I didn't lose too much ground.

“So I was in eighth when the race restarted and ended the race in seventh. It's a great result for the team and we're all very happy because we've been waiting a while for this. I have a lot of great memories here in Monaco and this is another special moment to savour.”

Di Resta admitted that the accident was his fault, and acknowledged that the resulting drive-through penalty and a pit stop for a new front wing probably cost him points.

“I think it was all running quite smoothly to begin with and our strategy seemed to be going well,” said the Scot. “After my first pit stop the team told me that to make the strategy work I needed to pass Alguersuari so I tried to overtake him at the hairpin. That's when I made contact and damaged my front wing, which is why I had to make an early second stop.

“I have to hold my hands up for this accident because I was probably a bit too ambitious. It's a shame because the car was working well and without this incident I think I could have scored some points.”

Team Principal Vijay Mallya put the accident down to over-eagerness and a lack of experience, and congratulated Sutil on his drive to seventh.

“Today's race was full of excitement, drama and great racing,” he said. “With Adrian I believe we judged the strategy perfectly and his seventh place finish is a great reward for the whole team. He did an excellent job to keep his tyres alive in the middle part of the race when we were planning to do a one-stop strategy. Towards the end of the race we got a little bit lucky with the safety car, but we reacted well and Adrian kept pushing hard to score six important points.

“Paul's race was looking promising in the early laps until he picked up some damage after contact with the Toro Rosso. He was maybe a little over-eager to get by, but this was his first Grand Prix at Monaco and he will learn from this experience.”

 

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David is an occasional contributer to the site on matters related to Formula 1. You can follow him on twitter at @Dr_Bean.
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