Force India will focus more on the 2017 car

La Force India has shifted most of its resources to the project car for 2017, for the current year's one, however, it will try to get the most out of the current package.

All F1 teams are faced with the difficult choice of splitting the budget between this year and next, in fact focusing on 2016 could lead to a better position in the constructors and therefore a greater prize money, however 2017 will be characterized by a revolutionary change of rules that could mix up the grid, in particular with the less renowned teams ready to take advantage of the change in regulation.

La Force India introduced some big updates during the Spanish Grand Prix, and the latter seem to have had an effect as in the last three races the Anglo-Indian team obtained two podiums thanks to the Mexican Sergio Perez.

Now, however, the team has decided to make the most of the package it has available, underlining how further developments for 2016 are unlikely due to the fact that the focus is now on 2017.

“The other teams are already focusing on next year, and we will too. I don't think we'll put any more effort into this year's car. However, we can still get a lot out of this car.” declared the team's deputy team principal Bob Fernley.

To the question regarding the shift of most of the resources to next year, the Englishman replied: “Yes, more or less, the shift has occurred. We have to develop what we have. The opportunity for next year will be a brand new regulation and this is a great possibility for our fantastic design team. No one wants to miss this opportunity, as everyone will be starting from a blank sheet of paper.”

However, despite the admission, Fernley said Force India's goal remains to “secure fifth place in the constructors” also for this year.

In fact, the team is currently facing the Toro Rosso by 21 points, instead it is 31 points away from the fourth place held by Williams.

“We helped ourselves in BakuFurthermore, the fact that Toro Rosso did not score points also gave us an extra advantage. We must at least try to challenge Williams. In any case, Toro Rosso is a very strong team, so we also have to be honest with ourselves.”

“Fifth place is where we need to be. If we can challenge Williams we will, but as long as we maintain fifth place it will be a good season for us.”

Stefano Rifici (@SedyBenoitPeace)