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Mallya sets sights on Renault

Vijay Mallya: "Both Adrian and Paul are dear to me, and I back both of them equally" © Sutton Images

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Force India team principal Vijay Mallya says he is looking to beat Renault to fifth place in the constructor's championship this season.

Paul di Resta finished sixth in Singapore and Adrian Sutil eighth as Force India secured its first double-points finish since the opening race of the season. The result opened up a twelve point gap over seventh-placed Sauber, and left the gap to Renault in fifth standing at 22 points. However, Force India has outscored Renault 36-5 over the last five races, and Mallya told the Force India website that he has now revised his targets.

"I'm now looking to the remainder of the season with confidence," Mallya said. "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!"

Ahead of di Resta's first Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, Mallya also praised both of his drivers.

"I think Paul had more to learn in Singapore, and he did very well! I think 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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.