Irregular double points finish hurt us, says Vijay Mallya

Inconsistent double points finish has dented Sahara Force India's standing in the championship table, team principal Vijay Mallya conceded on Tuesday and hoped that both his drivers will end in the points bracket at the home Indian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Indian outfit has managed to land both the cars in the points just in four out of 16 races so far. The best result came at the European Grand Prix where the team collected 16 points courtesy Nico Hulkenberg's fifth position and Paul Di Resta's seventh.

The team is seventh in the constructor's championship with 89 points.

Mallya was pleased with the team's strong showing in the second half of the season but rued lack of regular double points finish.

"It certainly feels like we have upped our game since the summer break and it has been satisfying to see us up there fighting for good points. The only frustration is that we have not always managed to get two cars in the points and that has hurt us in the championship," Mallya said.

"But in terms of outright performance, I think we can be pleased with our level of consistency. We've had at least one car in the top ten of qualifying in over 80% of the races and scored points in 75% of the races. While we may not have finished on the podium this year, it is our consistency that has been key to our success and kept us in the fight," he added.

Asked about his expectations from the home race, Mallya said team would look to better the last year's performance when Adrian Sutil had finished ninth.

"I remember how proud I felt last year to see our cars racing in India in the colours of the Indian flag. It was a moment I had dreamed about and a great sporting achievement for our country. To score points was the icing on the cake.

"This year I would like to go one better and see both our cars in the points - at the very least - so that we can give our fans something to smile about," he said.

Mallya was confident that the organisers will deliver yet again and the race will be good experience for all.

"Last year's race was already a tremendous success and I'm sure we can expect an equally spectacular event this year. Buddh International Circuit always looks after us very well and I know that they have been working hard behind the scenes to fine-tune the circuit and facilities even more. But above all else, the most important thing is the layout of the track because last year all the drivers loved it. It's certainly one of the best tracks in the world."

Mallya was also optimistic of grabbing sixth place.

"The gap to Sauber is now 27 points. It's a big lead, but not impossible to catch them before the end of the year. There's still a lot of racing to go and we will keep the pressure up for the final four races," he said.