We're dreaming of podium at Indian GP: Sutil

NEW DELHI: It's not easy carrying a billion hopes as the sole Indian team on the F1 racing track. Force India knows all about that pressure since its inception in 2007. The expectations will be quadrupled as the Vijay Mallya-owned team gets ready to race in front of home crowd in the inaugural Airtel Indian Grand Prix on October 30.
Based out of Silverstone, Force India have made steady progress to the middle of the F1 pecking order in the 2011.Their best result came in the recent Singapore Grand Prix with Paul di Resta coming in sixth and Adrian Sutil eighth at the Marina Bay circuit.
The team is currently in the sixth position in the constructors' championship with 48 points and a podium position at the Indian GP now looks a realistic dream. TOI spoke to Force India's number one driver Sutil about his performance so far this season and expectations from the Indian Grand Prix. Excerpts:
Force India is probably having its best season in F1 so far. What do you think are the main reasons for such an improvement?
I think it's largely down to the decisions we took over the winter to go with a new design philosophy this year. That has really paid off and we've found a good direction with the car. The team wanted to build a car for all circuits and that's what we have. Instead of being strong just on low downforce tracks, we can deliver anywhere, especially in high downforce trim.
You had your best finish in the Singapore GP. Where do you see the team progressing from here?
Yes, it was our best finish as a team this year. We scored 12 points, which are very important for our position in the championship. We are now sixth and not too far away from Renault who are fifth. Based on the performance we have shown in the last five races, I think we can go to all the remaining races with the realistic aim of getting both cars amidst points. And that starts next week in Japan at Suzuka, which is one of my favourite circuits.
The inaugural Airtel Indian GP weekend is a just a month away. What is the buzz in the F1 paddock?
I think there is a lot of excitement. It's a new territory for Formula One and will do a great deal to help increase the popularity of the sport in India.
This will be the first home race for Force India . How important will it be to perform in front of the Indian crowd?
It's a big moment for the team. I've been here since Day One and I will be very proud to be driving for the first Indian team in the first Indian GP. I know we would all dream of getting a podium there, but scoring points should be an achievable goal.
Have you had a chance to see the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida? What have you heard about the track so far?
I've been to India lots of times over the last four years, but I've not been to the track yet. I've seen the maps and some photos, and the track looks like it will be very fast. It's a new track to learn, which is something we all enjoy. But until you get there and see if for yourself it's difficult to know what to expect.
Are you satisfied with your own performance this season? What are the goals that you have set for yourself?
I think I'm satisfied. I've been regularly qualifying in the top ten and scoring points. If you can come out of a weekend feeling you got the maximum result that was possible then you can feel good about your performance.
Sebastian Vettel has almost sealed up his second consecutive F1 title. What has been the reason behind Red Bull's dominance in the last couple of years?
In Formula One you need to have the all-round package and they have built a strong team with good resources. We all know that aero is the biggest factor in performance and they are very strong in that area.
Do you think the Indian GP will lose some of its sheen, now that the drivers' title is almost decided?
It would have been nice if the fight for the drivers' title took place there, but I think there will still be a lot to play for.