A dismal season for Force India and you.

* Yes it has been but we knew that. First season is always going to be testing one with so many expectations. We had certain plans. We had a two-year-old car but on many occasions we ran close to our competitors, but yes it has been difficult period for us so far.

Teams like Ferrari and Renault have a youth programme. Do you see anything happening in Force India on those lines?

* We need to groom new talent since Force India is going to have a long stay on the circuit. I would be happy to help Indian drivers. It is very necessary for Force India to have a strong development base.

It is getting tougher for smaller teams to keep up with the big ones. Super Aguri have withdrawn from the competition.

* It's very difficult for smaller teams. We have teams like McLaren, Ferrari, Toyota who have budgets running into millions of Euros. For smaller teams it is very difficult to carry on in such a scenario.

What do you think of Karun Chandhok?

* He is a very promising driver. He is doing GP 2 which is very difficult and challenging. He is very quick. I would love to drive with him in future. I also have a team in GP 2 so I know he is good material.

You have worked with many owners. How different is Vijay Mallya?

* He is a nice person. Though I haven’t spent enough time with him, but he’s got a fantastic project and is very committed of taking India higher in Formula One. I think India should be proud of him.

Do you find him very demanding?

* No, he is not very demanding but every owner want results and he is no different. I find nothing wrong in that.

You have driven for Renault. How do you find Force India in comparison?

* Renault are a big spending team. They have better engineers, big cars and they have a big name and even won championships. So you can’t compare Force India with Renault. We’re a new team and need to have a good car and try to finish on the podium first.

Do you see night racing as the future of Formula One?

* I don't think so. Having four or five races under lights during a season is okay, but not more. I don't see the entire circuit going under the lights.

You are a Formula One veteran with three wins in more than a decade. What keeps you going?