Force India suffered a mixed weekend on a track that is normally favorable to them this weekend in Belgium as Adrian Sutil finished in the points while team-mate Paul di Resta was taken out of the race by Williams driver Pastor Maldonaldo on lap 27.
Following a strong opening lap di Resta was running well and at the end of the first lap was in seventh place despite a slow start. “I got a lot of wheel-spin at the start of the race and was down in about tenth place going into turn one, but during the first lap I managed to recover to seventh.”
Unfortunately the pace of the Scotsman would come to a grinding halt whey Maldonado crashed in to the rear of his car. “After the second pit stop I was racing closely with Adrian and there was a train of four cars battling as we went into the final chicane. Pastor [Maldonado] went in deep and missed the apex so I tried to get the cut-back and was going around the outside of him. He then decided to try and enter the pit lane, which was impossible given his track position. As a result he hit me, which took the rear corner off my car. It’s a real shame because the speed was quite strong today and I think there was definitely a point or two up for grabs.”
Team-mate Sutil enjoyed a better race and would finish in ninth place bringing home the team two points in the process. “An interesting and exciting race,” said the German driver. “It’s good to come away with two points” he added.
“At the start I didn’t make the best getaway and lost a few places, but after that I settled into the race and was able to get ahead of a few cars and move into the top ten. I always enjoy driving here at Spa and I had some exciting overtaking moves today, which felt very nice. The two-stop strategy was the best way to go and it worked out well because I think we achieved the maximum that was available to us. We are still in a close fight with McLaren so it was important to get back in the points today after a couple of tough races.”
Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal commented “I’m pleased to see Sahara Force India back in the points after a fine performance by Adrian. He clearly enjoyed himself out there today and his overtaking moves were a highlight of the race.”
Mallya revealed while he was frustrated with the accident that took out di Resta he was happy it was a racing incident. “The incident with Maldonado hitting Paul was very disappointing because Paul was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. It certainly cost us the chance to get both cars in the points. “
