Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, a winner in Australia with Renault in 2005, showed Force India were likely to be more serious contenders than predecessors Spyker with ninth place in the afternoon after 12th place earlier on.
The Formula One World Championship season started on a promising note for the Indian team, with strong performances from both Fisichella and Adrian Sutil in the opening free practice sessions in Melbourne, Australia on Friday.
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"We made a big step forward over the winter and, with the new development parts we have here, we are not looking too bad," said Fisichella.
"I am happy with the job we are doing so far, both the team and myself are working well together, and although we know we still have a lot of work to do and it is going to be tough, it's a good start."
Photograph: Getty Images
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