Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella powered his Force India car to a shock second place in the Belgian Grand Prix. The result came after Fisichella had secured pole position at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, stunning the racing world.

Force India, which is based at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire, said that a number of aerodynamic upgrades had improved the performance of the car.

It has since emerged that all of the new parts on the Force India car were made by Derbyshire firm EPM Technology.

Graham Mulholland, managing director of EPM, said: “Force India is still one of our most loyal customers and we are all delighted with their success, There is a still a real buzz in the factory after the weekend because of our involvement.”

Fisichella finished just one second behind the Belgian Grand Prix winner, Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen.

Since Force India came into the sport last season, the team have struggled. But over the mid-summer break this season, the team devised a new aero package for its car. Aerodynamics play a key role in F1, creating down-force that can give a car more grip, which allows the driver to go faster.

Force India shared the designs with EPM and brought a car up to its East Midlands factory so the new parts – including its floor, engine cover, side pods and rear spoilers –could be fitted.

Mr Mulholland said that his 80 staff faced their own race against time to get them ready. He said: “We had to work extremely hard to meet our targets and ensure that the changes were ready on time. To see the car go on to such success is extremely satisfying. I am very proud of my staff.”

As well as Force India, EPM makes carbon fibre parts for four other F1 teams, including Brawn GP, which is top of the driver and constructor standings. EPM has recently agreed a two-year rolling contract with Force India.

Mr Mulholland said he believed Force India could be on a winning streak to bag more points. He said: “Their success is tremendously exciting. We have been through thick and thin together over the last two years and had to help each other along, so to us they are much more than a passing customer. What they have achieved is very much deserved.”

Force India team manager Andy Stevenson said: “This was no fluke, just a fast racing car with quick drivers.”
A number of East Midlands firms – including engineering firm Zytec, in Derbyshire – play a key role in Formula One.

The sport is expected to come to the region next season when the British Grand Prix switches to Donington Park in Leicestershire.