Force India deputy team boss Bob Fernley believes that the Silverstone-based team can still achieve more podium finishes this year after Sergio Perez logged third places in both Monaco and Baku.
The Mexican had one third place in each of the last two seasons, and that achievement has already been bettered. However, Fernley says that the team -- which is a solid fifth in the World Championship points -- is targeting more.
"The last three years we've had a podium every year," Fernley told this website. "It's obviously boosted us to have two this year, and I'm hoping it's not the end. I think we've got potential for more. How much of that we can do on merit, and how much of that we have to look for opportunity, I'm not quite sure yet. But I think there's more to come out of the package that we have, and if there is more, and I'm right, then we should be looking for more podiums."
Regarding the team's form at upcoming races he said: "It's difficult to say. Obviously we're now going back to traditional circuits. We were reasonably strong in Austria last year, and Silverstone is usually a good circuit for us. I don't think there's anything coming that's worrying us. I think the question is, are we strong top 10, or can we achieve what we achieved in Baku? Once we start to dial the cars in and take a bit more out of this package, we will know more."
Meanwhile Fernley is confident that Perez will remain with the team in 2017, despite his recent results having made him a rumoured contender for a Ferrari seat.
"I'm very confident that he will be with us next year. There is no communication with Ferrari. We've put our trust and faith in Checo (Perez) over the last few years, and we continue to do that. Nobody can say never, but to me there is no indication of things changing, and I would expect Checo to be with us in 2017."
