Podium next target, says Force India's Mallya

Force India team principal Vijay Mallya is targeting a podium at one of the remaining races this season after an impressive run before the summer break.

Looking to build on last year's fourth place in the constructors' championship – the team's best-ever result – Force India has been one of the standout performers so far this season with nine double-points finishes. Currently sitting 60 points clear of fifth-placed Williams and 83 points behind Red Bull in third, Mallya is pleased with his team's consistency but wants to chase even better results in the second half of the year.

"We're over the halfway point of the season now and feeling upbeat about the remaining nine races," Mallya said. "Along with Spa, there are some other tracks coming up that should allow us to show the speed of the VJM10. We are pushing hard with the development of this car and there are some further steps we will introduce over the next few events.

"Our consistency has been our strength this year. We've scored points in 10 of the 11 races so far and had double-points finishes in nine of those races. I'm proud of the team for this achievement and it shows that all our hard work is paying off. We've still got our sights on the podium for this year and if the opportunity arises I believe we are ready to take it."

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Sergio Perez echoed Mallya's sentiments, saying he is energized after the mid-season break to come back and try and improve on his results so far in 2017.

"I'm feeling fresh and relaxed after the summer break and really looking forward to getting back to racing," Perez said. "I had a very nice break with my family, but now I can't wait to be back on track.

"Belgium is the one of the best circuits to experience an F1 car. I love the high-speed layout, the history of the place and you get to meet some very passionate fans there. It's just a great weekend and there is also the question mark over the weather. It nearly always rains at least one of the days.

"Pouhon is one of my favourite corners of the year. It's so quick and satisfying when you get it just right. The 2017 cars will feel extra special through this part of the lap, as well as through Eau Rouge.

"As we begin the second part of the season, I want to improve on what we have done so far. We have been competitive, but we also lost a few chances to score more points than we did. Hopefully we will make up for those lost points in the races to come."