Sahara Force India’s Deputy Team Principal Robert Fernley felt that five points from Monza was a solid result. Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez produced a good performance considering Williams were quicker all weekend.
“Overall I think getting two cars in the points means we’ve come away with a solid result. Both drivers have been chasing the set-up to try and find the sweet spot all weekend, so to come away with five points is a good return for all the team’s efforts.”
Fernley praised the drivers for scoring points, within a race where overtaking was limited. Force India’s Mercedes power unit was hugely important at Monza because of the long straights and an effective DRS.
“As is often the case in Monza, the outcome of lap one tends to dictate your finishing position and while Checo moved up, Nico was caught up in the rough and tumble of the midfield.”
Heading into the second half of the race, Force India currently sit three points behind Williams in fifth place. Monza was a strong race for Williams which allowed them to regain that all-important fourth place in the Constructors Championship, although Fernley believes the battle with go down to the wire.
“The battle for fourth in the championship is likely to ebb and flow over the course of the season, but I’m optimistic that some of the upcoming events will play to our strengths more than Monza.”
