We are better force now: Mallya

Sahara Force India do not depend now just on wet weather conditions to upset the big teams as the car is competitive enough in all conditions, team principal Vijay Mallya asserted on Monday.

Going into Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix, Force India are fifth in the constructors standings, behind Mercedes and ahead of Sauber and McLaren.

Mallya said his team's assessment in comparison with the rivals can be done better after races in China and Bahrain.

"China has always produced spectacular races and it’s not uncommon to experience some wet weather, but we know that both our drivers and the VJM06 are comfortable in all conditions.

“In the past we used to hope for rain as our only chance to upset the front-runners, but now we are more competitive in all conditions," Mallya said.

"The next two weekends, with races in China and Bahrain, will put us in a position to see where we really stand in comparison with our rivals,” the liquor baron added.

Paul di Resta said it is still early part of the season, so team's evaluation should be delayed.

"It is important not to get carried away and to keep doing our job at each race. We appear to be in a good position at the moment, but no one can say where we will be compared to our rivals after the next two races," the Scot said.

"We know McLaren are a very strong team and they will develop well, so all we can do is continue pushing hard to try and stay ahead of them. We have been doing a good job so far - better than many people expected – but there’s a long way to go," he added.

Adrian Sutil, the second driver, was hopeful of delivering a good result on Sunday.

"The layout is not too different to Sepang, so it should suit us again and I hope we can be strong there. The other teams will not stand still so we need to keep pushing hard and keep up this momentum," the German said.

Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images