Mallya praises Force India's season

The Silverstone-based squad managed 13 points this year, finishing in ninth position out of ten teams.

Force India also scored its maiden podium.

The team, however, endured a difficult race at Yas Marina, where Tonio Liuzzi finished down in 15th and Adrian Sutil in 18th.

Despite that, Mallya was delighted with the progress made by Force India in 2009.

"Of course points would have been a fitting end to the season, but sadly we could not achieve them today," said Mallya. "All the same both drivers gave it absolutely everything until the final lap and I couldn't have asked for more.

"It's been an excellent season for Force India this year and I would like to thank the entire team, both at the track and at our bases in Silverstone and Brackley, for their outstanding commitment and skills that have led to this success.

"We have achieved our objectives and then some more and can only build on this over the winter into 2010."