Robert Fernley: Force India have "plenty of opportunites" to show their strengths

Force India’s deputy team principal Robert Fernley is not worried about missing out on points at the season opening Australian Grand Prix.

Sergio Perez finished in 11th place with Esteban Ocon 12th, the first time the team have had neither car in the points since last season’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Fernley said after the race: “Unfortunately we didn’t have the pace this weekend to fight in the top ten and so we’ve ended our day on the cusp of the points.

“It’s early days in the season and with twenty races to go there will be plenty of opportunities to develop this car and show our strengths.

“We’re on a learning curve with the developments we introduced this weekend and there’s more in the pipeline for Bahrain.

“Both drivers drove well today, but the luck didn’t play into our hands with the timing of the safety car, for example.

“Following other cars closely was tough and Sergio was right on the tail of Sainz in the final few laps but there was no way to overtake.

“We will work hard to be stronger at the next race in Bahrain.”