A Force India sponsor says the Silverstone based team's budget is tripling for 2019.

The team almost collapsed this year, but was rescued by billionaire Canadian fashion mogul Lawrence Stroll.

Bridging the gap

"Next year, Force India wants to get into the top three. It's a very strong team," said Sergey Belousov, boss of the data protection company Acronis.

READ: Force India eyes top 3 target in 2019 - Szafnauer

"They should actually now be in fourth place. And in 2019, their budget will triple and it will strengthen their position," he told Russia's Championat.

#AskCrofty I rather fear that they've switched development to the 2019 car and their recent results have been affected. Force India, now they have the budget to make the parts, have been able to implement their upgrades, although no more are expected this season https://t.co/lcs9VQJ52z
— Sky Sports F1 ?? (@SkySportsF1) September 30, 2018

However, he admits that the midfield battle will be hard-fought next year.

"Renault will have a new engine, Red Bull is moving to Honda and will have a good engine, and I think Renault has made progress and I think will improve even more," Belousov said.

Wheels24.co.za | Sponsor says Force India budget to \'triple\'

Sponsor says Force India budget to 'triple'