Mallya expects competitive second season

The Indian billionaire, who owns Kingfisher, admits that it has been a tough year, but says he now understands the challenge facing him and expects a significant step forward in 2009 - particularly in light of the opportunity presented by the raft of technical regulations changes for next year.

"Force India have clearly demonstrated that we have caught up and improved. One realises how tough Formula One really is and it reinforces the challenge that I have before me for 2009 to be really competitive," he said.

"I'm not only catching up from last season, but from the last three seasons. And we have caught up, even though F1 has become so competitive, which is good.

"I am quite optimistic, however, that my experience so far has pointed us in the right direction. I now know precisely what I'm up against, so I can plan better. Maybe I learned the hard way, but it's good to learn. So 2009 will be much more competitive for the Force India team."

Mallya also explained that Force India's new seamless shift gearbox, which they will use for the first time in the European Grand Priz at Valencia next weekend, was the last development for this season and their attention will now be on next year's car.

"We didn't use the seamless shift gearbox in Budapest but we will introduce it at Valencia and as far as I'm concerned, that's it for the development for 2008 and all the focus from now on will be to develop a really competitive car for 2009," he said.

He also gave the strongest hint yet that he plans to retain both Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil next year.

"I have two good drivers," he added. "The experience of Giancarlo is invaluable and Adrian has lots of talent - I think he is improving race by race, becoming more consistent.

"I am quite happy with them and, more importantly, they have a great attitude that will help me to face the challenges of tomorrow. I think they will be very satisfied driving the 2009 car, which I am sure will be a significant improvement and a big surprise."