Force India eye step forward in Britain

The team, yet to score a point this season, tried new aero components in Silverstone's three-day test last week, and will race them in this weekend's event at the British track.

Kolles reckons the team can expect a more competitive outing at their 'home' race.

"For sure we all look forward to this race as it's just across from the factory so family and friends can come more than they can to another race," said Kolles in a team preview.

"We also have a lot of information about the track from being on its doorstep, so it does feel very familiar, but we don't approach it any differently to any other event on the calendar. We ultimately have the same aims we always have.

"The French Grand Prix clearly showed the steps forward we have made in reliability, with our first two car finish since the Bahrain Grand Prix, but now we need to be able to race competitively and finish ahead of people.

"From a performance point of view, we have a significant new aero and mechanical upgrade package we will use at Silverstone for the first time that I expect to move us closer to the field."

The team's technical chief Mike Gascoyne said all their drivers had been pleased with the updates, although Giancarlo Fisichella's day of testing came to an end earlier than planned after a big crash.

"After a productive test at Silverstone, we're looking forward to the British Grand Prix this week," said Gascoyne. "We tested our new aero and mechanical configuration over the three days and received very positive feedback from all three drivers.

"There was more grip and downforce in general over one lap, and all reported an increased stability under braking.

"It was unfortunate we lost some running time on Wednesday with Giancarlo's accident, but the team was able to get the car repaired and we managed pretty much to catch up with the schedule and I'm confident we won't see any knock-on effects this weekend."