Sergio Perez admitted it took some time to relearn the reference points around the Silverstone circuit after the 2017 machinery made the previous references outdated, but the Mexican now feels positive about his chances this weekend of a good result.
The Sahara Force India F1 Team racer finished thirteenth fastest in both free practice sessions on Friday, and he feels that the team have a good understanding on what needs to be improved ahead of Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s race.
Perez was impressed by the speed the 2017-spec machinery was able to carry around the corners at Silverstone, and these increased speeds meant completely relearning where to brake and turn into turns around the lap.
“It’s been a positive day for us, despite the windy conditions that added a bit of difficulty,” said Perez. “We have a good understanding of what the car is doing and of what we can improve for both qualifying and the race.
“Driving the 2017 cars on this track is impressive. The amount of downforce you carry in the high-speed corners is incredible. Of all the tracks we have raced this season, this is probably the one on which I have experienced the biggest difference compared to last year.
“All the reference points you have built up in the past change and this can put you at a disadvantage: it took me a bit of time to get used to the amounts of grip we have, but I am feeling comfortable now.”