Sutil says Force India making progress

The Silverstone-based squad, yet to score this season, are using several new components in the hope they can take a step forward to close in on their rivals.

And although Sutil and teammate Giancarlo Fisichella failed to escape the final row of the grid ahead of the British Grand Prix, the German driver was encouraged by the improved pace.

"It was quite a good qualifying for us as I think we could get nearly all the performance out of the car, although we had a little problem with graining on the front tyres that cost us a little bit of time," said Sutil, who qualified in 19th position.

"There is a better trend at the moment; we have a new update on the car, it works well and we are not too far away from the others - only about two tenths."

Fisichella, slowest today, was left lamenting a problem with his engine cover during Q1.

"Unfortunately I had a problem with the engine cover during the session and I lost some downforce as the right side of the car was in a bad position.

"That said, I was only three tenths away from Q2 so it's not too bad considering."