The Romanian-born official insisted that his team has all the right assets to succeed this season, especially since the VJM03 is a “natural progression in areas which seemed to have strong trends at the end of 2009,” as confirmed by design director Mark Smith. Therefore, with the 2009 highs becoming higher and the lows being improved, Force India is looking at more podiums this year, as argued by Szafnauer.
Additionally, the team really trusts its drivers this season, as Adrian Sutil will partner Vitantonio Liuzzi as race drivers throughout 2010. This will be the first time the latter will drive for a full-time campaign in the series since 2007, when he competed for Toro Rosso.
“Adrian is a great asset. He's very talented, and he's fast and fearless, and he'll gain from the experience he now has. If Tonio can learn from last year, and his confidence is up knowing that he's got a regular seat now, he has great potential,” added the team's CEO.
As for Di Resta, the British driver was confirmed to do some tests for the team in the simulator through the entire year in F1, while also to take the VJM03 to the track during some Friday practice sessions. As for his future role in the team from 2011 onwards, Szafnauer refused to elaborate.
“He can help us in simulator testing, and he should be doing some Friday testing just to get familiar with the car and hone his skills. And then we'll see about the future,” added the 45-year old official.
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