Force India experienced a very frustrating Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. A retirement from Nico Hulkenberg on lap 10 after losing his gearbox will cause concern within the Force India garage while Sergio Perez could only manage an 11th place finish. The Silverstone based team had pre-season testing problems and were one of the last constructors to announce their car for 2105, the VJM08. Upgrades to a VJM08 B-Spec car are planned for the Austrian Grand Prix but for now they will have to struggle on. Furthermore worrying for Force India will be the rapid improvements of their closest rivals McLaren. Despite Perez finishing comfortably ahead of Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button the Honda-powered McLaren is quickly closing up to them.
2015 Bahrain Grand Prix Force India Preview
No. 11 SERGIO PEREZ (MEX)
2015 Season Form: 10-13-11
2014 Result: Qualifying: P5 – Race: P3
Sergio Perez had a decent race in China. He failed to score any points but drove solidly around Shanghai. He took advantage of the misfiring Carlos Sainz and Pastor Maldonado to finish in 11th place. Perez drove a brilliant race around Sakhir last season. He finished on the podium in third place behind the two Mercedes. A repeat of that performance would be unlikely this year due to the lack of pace in the VJM08. Perez will be aiming to try finish inside the points in Bahrain but that could prove difficult due to the strong midfield competition.
No. 27 NICO HULKENBERG (DEU)
2015 Season Form: 7-14-DNF
2014 Result: Qualifying: P12 – Race: P5
Nico Hulkenberg was almost a no-show at the Chinese Grand Prix. A gearbox issue on only lap 10 forced him to retire before his race had really even begun. This gearbox issue might make Force India mechanics slightly concerned but a repeat of the problem is somewhat unlikely. Hulkenberg, much like his teammate, also drive a brilliant race round Sakhir last year. The German came from 12th on the grid to finish an impressive 5th place. Much like Perez a repeat of this performance would be surprising however.
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