Force India to use interim diffuser in Bahrain GP

Force India will introduce a significant aerodynamic upgrade, including an interim diffuser, in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix, its chairman Vijay Mallya said.

After the double-decker diffuser of Brawn, Williams and Toyota were cleared by FIA, Formula One outfits are in a hurry to ape them and Mallya said Force India too would have an interim diffuser in Bahrain.

"We are planning to introduce a significant aerodynamic upgrade for the Bahrain Grand Prix, including a new floor and an interim diffuser," Mallya said.

Besides, there would be a host of other aerodynamic updates, he added.

We also plan to use new auxiliary wings on the front wing and re-profiled side pods to incorporate the amended rear end. We have been planning this upgrade since the debut of the VJM02 as part of our scheduled aerodynamic cycle and it will represent a good step forward for the team," Mallya explained.

"Although we nevertheless expect other teams to have moved forward as well, we hope this will keep us racing with the rest of the field," he added.

In last week's Chinese Grand Prix, Adrian Sutil so nearly scored Force India's first points but Mallya reckons it would be a difficult task in Bahrain.

"As usual, we know points are going to be very difficult to achieve and we should not set this as a goal for Bahrain," he said.

"Yes, Adrian very nearly achieved our ultimate goal far earlier than anyone could have expected, but we should not look on the Chinese Grand Prix as indicative of our general form. Instead, we need to focus once more on reliability and consistency and look to be there if circumstances allow," he said.

Mallya said the team is buoyant after the impressive show in Shanghai and the Silverstone-based outfit can look forward to the remainder of the season with much hope.

"I think the teams performance in China was very encouraging. We functioned well as a unit, made the correct calls from the pit wall and showed again that when the conditions allow we can be competitive.

"Both Adrian and Giancarlo (Fisichella) drove phenomenal races and really did the team proud. We know we still have work to do and putting in these performances in every race is still a distant goal, but I feel confident there are good foundations now. It's a boost for everyone not to lose hope as we can still surprise," Mallya said.