Mallya: Force India progress remarkable

Although the Silverstone-based squad is the only team yet to score a point this year, Mallya reckons its progress has been significant thanks to all the upgrades introduced since the start of the season.

"I would say that, for a small team, our rate of development so far has been remarkable," said Mallya ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.

"We introduced the new floor and shadow diffuser in Bahrain, plus some major upgrades to the front wing, a further step in Spain and now in Monaco we will have some further changes to the aero package.

"I have been very pleased we have been able to get so many major upgrades through so early in the season; that is just one advantage to being a smaller team - we can be more dynamic and adapt to regulations more quickly."

Mallya admitted the team must up its game in qualifying in order to maximise its potential in the races, but he is pleased with the speed of its car.

"Clearly we have some work to do in qualifying, but I would beg to differ about the lack of improvement in the race," he added.

"Giancarlo set the 8th quickest time during the race in Spain, and was competitively racing with BMW, Renault and Williams. We might not yet be in a points' scoring position but I am happy with the rate of progress we are making.

"We've always said top ten for the first part of the year and then points if and when possible. This race I think, with the improvements we have and the confidence of our drivers around this circuit, we could very well get into Q2 - that should be the aim for now."