Sergio Perez is hoping to put the disappointing Australian Grand Prix result behind him and target for a better outcome in Bahrain.
The Sahara Force India driver finished the season-opener in Melbourne in thirteenth ahead of the McLaren-Honda of Jenson Button. For Perez he believes the tyre degradation will be a key factor in the outcome of this race, with the track evolving as the race goes on.
“Australia didn’t bring the result I was hoping for so I am targeting a better outcome from Bahrain,” said Perez. “Getting a bad start really compromised my race last time out because I got stuck in the middle of cars on different strategies and I couldn’t recover. However, it’s a long season and I have an opportunity to get back in the points in Bahrain.
“The racing is never boring in Bahrain so fans should enjoy some good entertainment. There are long straights and sharp braking zones so it’s great for overtaking, but the big tractions zones make this a tough track for the rear tyres.
“I think tyre degradation will be a key factor in the outcome of this race. The track evolves a lot as the race goes on, as the cars sweep away all the sand and dust that the wind has blown onto the track.”
Back in 2014, the Mexican scored his first podium with the team, he is confident they can be strong again at the Bahrain International Circuit and get back in the points that he missed in Australia.
“I have some very good memories from Bahrain – the race in 2014 was just fantastic when I celebrated my first podium with the team,” added Perez. “I am confident we can be strong again this year and get back all the points I missed in Australia.
“Even in Melbourne, there were lots of positives we can build on, such as our strong qualifying speed and race pace. The team is doing a great job back at the factory and we should have some interesting new bits on the car, too, so I am feeling confident.”
