• Force India

Podiums possible - Vijay Mallya

Force India is confident heading to the first race © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Vijay Mallya
• |
• Adrian Sutil

• Teams:
• Racing Point

Team principal Vijay Mallya believes Force India will be fighting for points and the occasional podium this year, on the back of its significant performance gains throughout last season.

Force India took its first pole position and points at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix after improving its car dramatically during the mid-season. Mallya is hoping the upward trend will continue into this season and the team will be a consistent points scorer.

"Regular points and the odd podium have got to be the aim and we know it is possible," he said. "I have a lot of faith in the drivers and the technical staff, I think we've got into a very good rhythm together now."

He added that the early signs from pre-season testing indicated that the car was not only quick but also easy to drive.

"I have been very encouraged by the entire performance, both at the track and at the factory," Mallya said. "The testing times gave very positive headlines, but it is very difficult to know where we are until we get to Bahrain. Certainly the initial reports from the drivers are encouraging and when that happens it's worth another three to four tenths - if they feel happy and confident in the car then that they can really attack."

One of Mallya's drivers Adrian Sutil agreed the car will have point-scoring potential right from the very first round in Bahrain this weekend.

"Hopefully in the top ten and I think that should be possible," he said. "I would hope we could score a few points. For everything else, it is very difficult to say what else will happen, but I am fine with any position within the top 10 - that's my goal for the moment."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.