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Sutil targets China podium

Adrian Sutil returns to China for the first time since the nightclub incident with Lotus co-owner Eric Lux in 2011 © Sutton Images

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• Chinese Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Adrian Sutil

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Adrian Sutil says he is targeting a place on the podium in Shanghai at this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

Force India has looked strong in the opening two races of the season so far, with Sutil leading for a stint in Australia and both cars well placed before retiring due to wheelnut issues in Malaysia. Sutil said the car is a clear improvement to any of the other cars he has driven for the team and that he is aiming for a top three finish this weekend.

"Everything is possible; it's in my hands I think," Sutil said. "I have targets and I will try to do my best to reach those. Of course we want to be absolutely on the top, that's why we are here and we want to make that happen but it's a hard way. We showed it's possible here and there to get a good result.

"In Australia it was a good start, we led a race with this car which is never easy - Nico did it last year and the next race was in Australia so two times in a row a Force India has led quite a lot of laps in a race, so it's just a sign of what is possible with this car. A podium is my goal."

Sutil also said that the competitiveness of the car had made his return to Formula One easier than he expected.

"[It has been] not too difficult, I was just driving as fast as I could. I was happy to be back in the car and it worked very well. The car in my opinion is very good; it's the best car I've driven. It has a very neutral balance, is quite good on the tyres and the race pace is competitive."

Asked if he had any concerns returning to China - the scene of his infamous nightclub incident in 2011 which ultimately cost him his seat last season - Sutil replied: "No worries, no emotions. The past for me is done and I'm concentrating on my future."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.