Sahara Force India driver Sergio Perez believes the team have the potential for a big result at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
With things not quite working out for Perez in Brazil, where he finished outside the points for the first time since Japan, he is determined to get back into the points and finish the season on a positive note.
“The 2015 season has gone by so quickly, but I have lots of great memories and I’m very proud of what we have achieved,” said Perez. “I think it’s probably been my best season in Formula One in terms of results and also the most enjoyable.
“We have grown a lot during the course of the year and we have had some special days, with a highlight being my podium in Russia and my home race in Mexico. I think Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to end the season, especially with a race under the lights.
“The whole venue is impressive and the track is quite a challenge from a set-up point of view. You need a car that works through the fast corners in the first sector, as well as through the slow final sector, which feels more like a twisty street circuit.
“I think we have the potential for a big result in Abu Dhabi. Things didn’t work out for me in Brazil so I’m determined to get back in the points this weekend and finish this great season on a positive note.”
With Force India securing fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, Nico Hulkenberg is wanting to make sure he ends the season in the top ten for the Drivers’ Championship. After an enjoyable weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hulkenberg feel it’s a realistic aim for a similar performance this weekend.
“The final race of the season is always important because you want to finish the season well and carry the momentum into the winter months,” said Hulkenberg. “We have already secured fifth in the championship but I want to make sure I end the season in the top ten of the drivers’ championship so there is still a lot to play for.
“Abu Dhabi is a fun place for the season finale, the venue is great and the twilight racing helps create a special atmosphere. As a track, it’s not easy to get a good lap as the layout is very technical, especially in the final sector. It’s quite easy to come into a corner too hot and make a mistake, and finding a good flow is a big challenge.
“Brazil was a very enjoyable weekend for me, the car felt great and we maximised every session to come away with a well-deserved result. I think we can realistically aim for a similar performance this weekend. It’s been a great year for everyone in the team and we deserve to finish on a high.”