Mallya: '09 the real test for Force India

The Silverstone-based squad, who raced under the Spyker name last year, have not scored any points in 2008, which Mallya considers it was a year to make little progress ahead of a more important 2009.

"I've been measuring the progress of this team. We need to be more competitive, but 2009 will be the real test," said Mallya.

"I've always said that we will take baby steps in 2008, such as getting into Q2, and I think we have managed to do that.

"We are racing now, we are beating the Hondas and the Williams. In 2009 we have no excuses, I know that, and I will make sure that we perform."

Mallya said Toro Rosso's victory at the Italian Grand Prix last week had been somewhat of a boost for his own squad and he is hoping Force India can repeat the feat in a year's time.

"I could not be a happier man," he said of Toro Rosso's victory. "I went to Gerhard Berger and Franz Tost and congratulated them after qualifying, and of course after the race.

"It was fantastic that F1 proved that the independent teams can win. That's a source of great inspiration for Force India as well, I hope to be in the same position next year."

And, ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, the Indian team owner admitted he is expecting rain, although he played down the chances of his drivers shining despite the car-equaling conditions.

"Definitely, it could be a lottery," he said. "I've been a resident of Singapore for the last 25 years, and one thing I can tell you is that it rains every night.

"You don't have to pray for rain, it just comes. People say that rain suits Force India, but rain has the same effect on everybody. It doesn't give a special opportunity for us alone. If it's a challenge for other drivers, it's equally a challenge for our drivers."