Greater Noida: Sahara Force India F1 team is pleased with its preparation for its maiden home race, the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, but its driver Paul di Resta feels the two DRS zones on the newly-built Buddh International Circuit may make life a little difficult for them on Sunday.
Drag Reduction System (DRS), an option which enables overtaking, can only be used by the chasing driver when he is at least one second behind the front car.
But in spite of the system, both the Force India drivers -- Adrian Sutil and Resta -- did well in the practice sessions today, managing top-10 places.
"It was a new experience for everyone and we had a lot to get through with our programme. The track is quite exciting and the grip seems to be building nicely. It won't be an easy race with the DRS zones being so effective and likely to result in lots of overtaking," Resta said.
"But from our work today we are getting where we need to be in terms of the set-up. I still need to find a little bit of speed, but once we sit down and analyse the data I'm confident of more good runs tomorrow," said the Scot, who set the ninth fastest time today.
Sutil, who was seventh fastest, added, "We had a good couple of sessions today. We ran an aero upgrade on the car this morning and I could feel the difference in stability straight away. So, I think we are going to run it for the race.
"The circuit is good fun and very nicely done. It has some challenging corners and there seem to be plenty of opportunities to overtake. It should make for an interesting and exciting race on Sunday."
Team principal and managing director Vijay Mallya feels Force India has a good chance to finish among points on Sunday.
"On the track today there was a great deal to learn, but we can be pleased with the work we have achieved. I've made no secret of my desire to see both Sahara Force India cars racing well inside the points on Sunday afternoon and today's work has taken us a step closer to achieving this," he said.
Mallya also lauded the BIC track and said it was an "emotional" moment for him to witness Sahara Force India cars race in India.
"Arriving at the Buddh International Circuit and hearing the sound of Formula One engines in India once again was a very special moment. It's something I have dreamt of for over 30 years and this weekend will be a very emotional one for me," he said.
"Seeing both Sahara Force India as the first cars out on track when free practice began also brought a smile to my face. The Jaypee Group has done an excellent job with this circuit and we can all be very proud of this amazing facility.
The drivers have been praising the layout and we all expect a thrilling race," the business tycoon added.
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