GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | First races may be tough - Sutil

First races may be tough - Sutil

The new Force India has looked slightly off the midfield pace in pre-season testing © Sutton Images

Force India's Adrian Sutil has admitted that the start of the season could be a struggle for the team.

After a good season last year when it finished seventh in the constructors' championship, Force India was looking to move further up the grid. However, some innovative car designs from the other midfield teams backed up by some encouraging testing times could make things difficult, and Sutil admits the VJM04 lacks pace.

"We still need to look for more speed and we require a little more time to understand the developments and aero side of the car," he said. "The first few races may be a little tough in that respect, but for sure we shall pick up our race pace soon."

Despite his concerns, Sutil is targeting a points-scoring finish at the Australian Grand Prix next week, saying that the car's reliability could be more important than outright pace.

"We have a reliable car, which is positive, and this will help us during the first few races. I hope that I will be able to finish the race as last year the gearbox let us down. It is always a good feeling to finish the first race, as you then know that the season has really started. It was a crazy race in Australia last year when the rain came in; I think only ten cars made it to finish. This is also why I think it is so important to finish the race in Melbourne - there are usually points to be won if you see the chequered flag."

Team-mate Paul di Resta will make his grand prix debut in Australia, and the Scot stopped short of making any predictions, saying he is focused on having a solid weekend.

"I am open minded and will be concentrating on performance," di Resta said. "Getting the best out of the car on the Friday and Saturday to see what areas we need to improve as a team for the race. As for my personal expectations I am going to be realistic and gauge how it goes over the weekend and focus on the job in hand."

Credit: ESPN F1 (en.espnf1.com)