Motorsport: Force India aiming for top 3

The 2017 spec Force India at the team's season launch. Photo / Getty Images

Force India believe they can break into Formula One's top three in 2017 with their newly unveiled car.

"If we did not dream big, we would not have finished fourth in the world championship last year," said co-owner and principal Vijay Mallya, the embattled former billionaire whose extradition is sought by India.

"We will always dream big," added the liquor tycoon who was charged in absentia last month by India's Central Bureau of Investigation with conspiracy and fraud over a loan to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines. He has dismissed the charges against him.

"We have never had conversations, even in private, that we cannot break into the top three. That is certainly going to be our objective. We are going to give it our best shot."

Force India enjoyed their best ever season last year, finishing fourth behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari.

Force India's annual budget is estimated at less than half that of the teams above them and also some of those below, such as McLaren.

Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul told reporters at the launch of his team's car on Wednesday, when he set a target of fifth overall, that he doubted Force India had the resources to compete at the very top.

"I think this season will be an arms race, and I really feel for the teams who are under-resourced," the Frenchman had said.

"I believe that most of the car build budget of a Force India will be gone by now, just to cope with the new regulations."

Mallya laughed at the suggestion during a stage presentation.

"Good luck to him. He might have to eat his words. It's not the amount of arms you have, it's the quality of your weaponry," said the Indian.

Mallya said the team planned to develop the new Mercedes-powered VJM10 throughout the season but would not set a target for the number of podium finishes or points he wanted Mexican Sergio Perez and French newcomer Esteban Ocon to achieve.

"I've always said 'under promise and over deliver. And I'm going to stick to that philosophy."