F1: Force India targeting top four in 2017

Force India believes the new-for-2017 regulations will give the team a major opportunity to break into Formula 1's top four.

The team stepped up a gear over the second half of 2015 upon the introduction of its B-spec car, with drivers Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg scoring a raft of points to secure its best F1 constructors' championship finish of fifth.

When the new regulations come into effect next year, deputy team principal Bob Fernley sees no reason why Force India cannot do even more and challenge the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams and Red Bull on a more regular basis.

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"With the new rules for 2017 it is a very exciting opportunity because given now our aero assets are on a par with the top teams, why can't we produce an even better '17 car, and then make that next step?" he said. "The B-spec gave us the ability to demonstrate we're capable of running at that end.

"Everybody's going to have a clean sheet of paper, and we don't have to play catch-up. We'll actually be on the same level to start with. '17 is a whole new ball game."

Between now and then, Fernley says Force India will aim to cement its 2015 position this year, before its concerted effort to capitalize on the new regulations.

"It's about consolidation for '16 and giving ourselves, as an independent team, the best platform to be able to produce a competitive '17 car," Fernley added. "Consolidating our position is key, and then trying to provide the opportunity out of the '17 car to take the next step.

"From a personal point of view, I think you need to put the minimum amount of effort into the '16 car to consolidate, and the maximum amount of effort into the '17 car to progress."

Originally on Autosport.com