Sergio Perez feels that his Sahara Force India team are in a good position for a good haul of points on Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps despite running on what could well be a weaker strategy.
The Mexican will start the Belgian Grand Prix from sixth on the grid but on the Supersoft Pirelli tyre, with four of the five drivers ahead of him – Nico Rosberg, Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo – all on the Soft tyre, but despite this Perez still feels the team have the chance of a good result.
“I think we are in a really strong position for the race and I am really looking forward to tomorrow,” said Perez. “We got as much as we could out of the session: I made a small mistake at the end of my lap and I could have been about a tenth faster, but that’s all we lost.
“Some of the cars ahead of me are starting on the soft tyre compound, which should be a big advantage for them, but we are still in good shape to get a strong result. There will be a variety of strategies at play and I hope we can move forward, enjoy the battles and bring home some points.”
Perez admits the hotter than expected weather at Spa-Francorchamps is making it hard for everyone, especially with tyre degradation, and knows it is important to not be caught out by being on the wrong tyre at any time during the Grand Prix on Sunday in order to maximise their result.
“The hot weather is making it really difficult for everyone – you reach a point where you can’t go any further with the tyres,” revealed Perez.
“Strategy and making the right calls at the right time will be very important: you don’t want to be on the wrong tyres at the start of such a long lap because it’s going to cost you.”
