Sergio Perez is looking to return to the points in Russia this weekend after losing the opportunity of a good result at the opening corner in Japan two weeks ago, and expects the 2015 race to be more of a strategic battle than the inaugural event a year ago with Pirelli bringing softer tyres to the event than they did in 2014.
The Sahara Force India driver finished inside the points in the three races before Suzuka, but believes the race at the Sochi Autodrom reminds him of the Singapore circuit, a track he finished strongly on this season.
“I scored a point in Sochi last year and I’m looking forward to racing there again,” said Perez. “They did a really nice job with the track and there are some interesting corners, especially the long left-hand turn three – in qualifying last year we were taking it flat.
“In some ways the Sochi track reminds me of Singapore and Abu Dhabi. That’s because there are lots of 90-degree corners and acceleration zones, which put high energy through the rear tyres. There are some quick parts of the lap too. I remember last year that turn 12 was quite difficult because you are pulling high g-forces and braking for turn 13 at the same time.
“We saw last year that overtaking wasn’t easy and it was a one-stop race for most cars. This year the tyres are a step softer so perhaps that will mix up the strategy options a bit more.”
