Force India are targeting a top four finish in 2017 when Formula 1’s rules will undergo major changes, creating a level playing field, according to deputy team principal Bob Fernley.
The team finished sixth in ’14 and last year moved up to fifth, comfortably finishing ahead of Lotus by 61 points, despite only introducing its upgraded B-spec car during the second half of the season.
Fernley admits they were playing catch-up last year, but with a rules reset in ’17, he believes they can challenge the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams and Red Bull.
“With the new rules for ’17 it is a very exciting opportunity because given now our aero assets are on a par with the top teams, why can’t we produce an even better ’17 car, and then make that next step?” he told Autosport.
“The B-spec gave us the ability to demonstrate we’re capable of running at that end [of the grid].
“Everybody’s going to have a clean sheet of paper [next year], and we don’t have to play catch up.
“We’ll actually be on the same level to start with. ’17 is a whole new ball game.”
Fernley however asserted that the teams aim this year is simply to cement its position as fifth quickest.
“It’s about consolidation for ’16 and giving ourselves, as an independent team, the best platform to be able to produce a competitive ’17 car,” he added.
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