Mallya not ready to celebrate just yet
Last Updated: November 22, 2011 12:45pm
Vijay Mallya: Force India co-owner
Co-owner Vijay Mallya has hailed Force India's season as the "most complete yet" but is refusing to take anything for granted.
The team are poised to clinch their highest finish in the constructors' championship of sixth ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Mallya, though, is refusing to celebrate just yet as he said: "I still remember what happened last year when we missed out on sixth place by just one point.
"We certainly head to Brazil in a very strong position, but I've learned you should never take anything for granted.
"But I'm confident we can maintain the form we showed in Abu Dhabi. After a long season I would love to sign off the year in style with both my cars in the points.
"This year has been our most complete season yet. We've developed a car that has been strong in all areas, and we've given some of the bigger teams a run for their money.
"I'm proud of what we have achieved, which is a testament to the dedication and commitment of all the team members.
"If we can secure sixth in the championship this weekend it will be a key milestone in this team's history because the competitiveness of the Formula One grid is as intense as I can remember."
Uncertain future
The team's drivers still remain in the dark as to 2012.
Mallya initially promised a decision on the line-up ahead of the last race in Abu Dhabi, but with the final grand prix of the campaign in Brazil just days away, the futures of Paul di Resta, Adrian Sutil and Nico Hulkenberg have yet to be resolved.
It is understood Di Resta is safe for 2012 following an excellent rookie campaign, leaving Mallya to decide between Sutil and reserve Hulkenberg.
Sutil's fine performance at the Yas Marina Circuit, however, in which he finished eighth after qualifying ninth, appears to have muddied the waters for Mallya.
If they do finish sixth, it would be hard on Sutil if he found himself the driver axed.
For Di Resta his debut campaign has certainly been one to remember, with the Scot so far qualifying in the top 10 on five occasions and finishing in the points seven times, including five in the last eight races.
"The year has been incredible and I've enjoyed every moment," said Di Resta.
"It's flown by really quickly and I can't believe we're at the last race of the season already.
"The standout moments for me were my first race in Melbourne and qualifying sixth for my first British Grand Prix.
"The atmosphere at Silverstone was so special, unlike anything I've ever experienced, and that's something I will always remember."
As for the fact Mallya has yet to make an announcement on drivers for next season, Di Resta added: "Vijay will announce it when he wants to announce it.
"We're not going to speed up the decision. It's in his hands as he is the boss, the team principal."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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