Liuzzi downplays tech staff exits

Just a few months after technical director James Key left the team for Sauber, his replacement Mark Smith announced that he will be joining Lotus when his contract comes to end next April.

But although the moves means Force India will have to undertake a restructure of its technical department, Liuzzi thinks the team is well placed for it not to be hurt.

"I think Mark was for sure a really important person for the team, he was a big part of the development and the actual results," Liuzzi told AUTOSPORT.

"But what I have realised is that in this team the structure is pretty strong. The team all works well together and it is a big family.

"I think the project for the future is to bring in some more people and some good people, but I think Vijay has made the step to reach this point, and they know already which way to take for the future.

"I am sure they will not let the pyramid collapse at this point, when we reach really strong results. We are ready to go ahead."

He added: "Mark won't leave soon and he will be for the rest of the year with us and will give the best support he can. I am sure the team can still leave and perform and do well, even though Mark was a good force for Force India."