Q. Adrian, are you excited about returning to Suzuka?
Adrian Sutil: Yes of course, I love Japan and I’m happy that we can go there after all the tragic events that happened at the start of the year. I think it’s a good sign that we’re going back there. And Suzuka is a great circuit, one that suits me very well. I like it and it’s certainly one of my favourites. But I’m also looking forward to Korea, and of course India! There are some good circuits coming up.
Q. What makes Suzuka so special to you?
AS: It’s a pure driver’s circuit. Some of the corners are outstanding, such as the ‘S’ curves and 130R, which is easily flat. It’s unusual to have so many amazing corners all in the same lap and getting them all right is the best feeling. Also, I spent a year living in Japan when I raced Formula 3, so it always feels like a second home.
Q. Is it fair to say the VJM04 will be the best car you’ve ever had at Suzuka?
AS: I think so. Last year we were strong at the beginning of the season and by the time we got to Suzuka it was not so easy for us. Based on the performance we have shown in the last four races, I think we can go to Japan thinking of scoring more points.
Q. Paul, you’ve scored points in three of the last four races. You must be in a positive frame of mind going into the final quarter of the season…
Paul di Resta. I’m feeling very positive. Things have really come together quite well in the middle part of the year and I think we’ve delivered as a team. In Singapore the upgrade package worked as we expected and contributed to the end result. That’s a big credit to the team and we’ve all worked very hard to achieve these recent results.
Q. There is definitely a feeling of momentum with Force India now, but how realistic is it to aim for fifth in the championship?
PdiR: It’s definitely achievable, but I think it will be a big ask unless we get quite a bit of luck along the way. The key will be getting both cars in the points, but we’ve also seen that Renault look stronger on certain tracks. So we’re aiming at catching them but well aware they still have quite a points advantage.
Q. Are you ready to experience Suzuka? One of the great circuits of the world…
PdiR: Absolutely. It’s one of those venues that stand out because all the drivers love it and say great things about it. I went there last year – my first visit to Japan – and saw it for myself. Just walking the track makes you respect the place because it’s narrow, fast and has some really unusual corners. It also a technical lap: you can take different lines through some of the corners so there’s a lot for me to learn during Friday practice.
Q. Dr. Mallya, you have been hoping to get both cars in the points all season. How satisfying was the result in Singapore, especially at such a high profile event?
Vijay Mallya: I’ve been telling everyone at the factory that we need to build a car that can perform on all tracks, and I think they did me proud in Singapore. I can’t thank them enough. We brought both cars home in the points. It should have happened before, but we’ve made a few mistakes. That’s all part of motor racing.
Q. Adrian is known as a Suzuka specialist, but Japan will be a new experience for Paul. What are your hopes for the weekend?
VM: I think Paul had more to learn in Singapore and he did very well. Suzuka should be a whole lot easier for him. For me as a Team Principal, both Adrian and Paul are dear to me, and I back both of them equally. If one has the advantage of experience over the other, it doesn’t mean that the other won’t perform well. I’m sure both of them will give it their best shot.
Q. How do you see the upcoming races?
VM: I’m now looking to the remainder of the season with confidence. I see no reason why we cannot build on the performance we showed in Singapore and get some more excellent results in the final few races. I was focussed on getting ahead of Sauber and securing sixth in the championship. Now I’ve got my sights set on fifth, and I think we can do it, with a bit of luck!
