Sutil determined to make best of second chance
Adrian Sutil has vowed to make the best of his second chance in Formula One, after spending a year out of the sport. In the end of 2011, he was ditched from the same team in favour of Nico Hulkenberg, but the German says he had no problem coming back to Force India.
Adrian Sutil: "It’s all happened very quickly, but I’ve received a warm welcome and it’s good to see lots of happy and familiar faces once again. It’s clear the team has grown, but I am working with my old race engineer [Brad Joyce] and this team still feels like ‘home’. It’s a new beginning; my second chance in Formula One and I intend to make the most of this opportunity."
Sutil believes the year off was good for him, allowing him to focus on other things.
"2012 was an interesting year because I experienced life away from Formula One and in many ways it has given me a new perspective. I think it helped me grow as a person and I feel mentally stronger as a result. I feel fresh and energized, and ready for the season. When I was back in the car for the first time in Barcelona it felt natural – almost as if I had never been away. I was back on the pace and able to push hard straight away."
With 2013 looming around the corner, Sutil however is careful about setting his targets for this specific race. The performance of the car that he experienced during his 3 days of testing in February and the first days of March are promising, leading to his hopes to secure more podiums this year.
"I’ve only spent three days in the car during testing, but already I’m feeling very comfortable. It’s very drivable and the balance is good. There is still a lot I need to understand, especially in terms of the tyres, but we’re in a good place already. It’s difficult to set a goal for this weekend, but my target for the season is to improve on my 2011 performance and aim for some podiums. So we need to start the year well, aim high and take our chances."
