Force India aren't giving up on beating Red Bull this season according to team boss Vijay Mallya, despite the growing gap between the two teams.
The Silverstone based team is currently fourth in the championship standings with a strong 54-point buffer to Williams, but Mallya has set their targets higher this year and believes they can challenge Red Bull in the second half of the season, although overhauling them in the standings could prove difficult with 79 points separating them.
"We're up to 95 points in 10 races, we've never had this kind of points tally in the history of the team that I can remember," said Mallya.
"We're 54 ahead of Williams, our nearest competitor, and slowly consolidating ourselves in fourth position.
"Let's see what opportunities the second half of the season throws up. I'm not giving up on chasing Red Bull.
"It's always good to set our targets high. That allows you to really challenge yourself. Whether we get that or not, finishing fourth for a second consecutive year is a credible achievement."
Assessing their first half of the 2017 season, Mallya says he couldn't really ask for more from his two drivers, barring one incident in Baku.
"We should've had nine [double points finishes] at least, but eight out of 10 is pretty good," added Mallya, referring to the contact between Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon which cost them a possible double podium.
"It's very satisfying to see two good, competitive drivers. I couldn't ask for more; two cars regularly in the points, it's what we need."
