Incidentally, the penultimate race of the European season also marks the 10th anniversary of the first win of Jordan Grand Prix, Force India’s predecessors, and team owner Vijay Mallya is optimistic that the outfit can exceed the expectations in Spa.

“Remembering the first anniversary of Jordan’s first win in Belgium 1998 is an apt way to recall this team was once punching above its weight,” Mallya said.

“It was a small team, but a good one. I truly believe that this what we still have today. A small, close-knit team, but one with high aspirations. Nothing has changed on that front, the goal posts have not moved,” he added.

That chaotic, rain-soaked 1998 race saw a superb performance from the team with Damon Hill seizing Jordan’s well-deserved first win and team-mate Ralf Schumacher bringing the second 198 car home on the second step of the podium for a perfect result.

Though Force India is yet to open its account, Giancarlo Fisichella’s 14th place finish in Valencia was a statement of the outfit’s growing competitiveness and they would just hope to continue the trend in Spa.

Fisichella rates Spa among his favourite tracks and the Italian insists maintaining focus on the longer laps would hold the key.

“Spa is a circuit I’ve always loved. I think every driver feels the same if you don’t, you’re doing the wrong job! “Spa is a tough race for drivers as there are many challenging corners and the lap is much longer than usual. You don’t approach it in a different way, but your concentration levels will be higher to stay focussed for the whole lap,” he said.

“There have been races where we’ve started in sun and then there’s been a shower in one half of the track but the other stays dry,” added Fisichella.

His German teammate Adrian Sutil is also looking forward to turn the heat on Honda cars.

“Our race pace (in Valencia) was good. It was difficult to pass some cars, but we could put pressure on Honda, which was a good effort. I hope we can do the same in Spa, where it should also be easier to overtake.

“Spa is one of my favourite tracks, so for sure I am really looking forward to the race. The combinations of turns and the unpredictability of the weather make it a real challenge.