Force India’s Sergio Pérez believes a “big points” haul is within reach at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, if the squad can extract the maximum from its VJM10.
Pérez qualified second upon Formula 1’s inaugural visit to the Baku City Circuit in 2016 and finished on the podium, having dropped to seventh on the grid due to a gearbox penalty.
Force India has also displayed strong form in 2017, taking six double points finishes from seven races, with a best of fourth place for Pérez at the Spanish Grand Prix last month.
Pérez feels that Force India’s current momentum, and last year’s result around the streets of Baku, means it can approach the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in an ebullient mood.
“The car was quick [in Montréal] and we were competitive,” commented Pérez, seventh in this year’s standings, a point behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen
“It was always going to be one of our best circuits of the year, but we still had to deliver.
“It’s a good sign for Baku – another track with long straights and big braking zones.
“I always enjoy street tracks and the team has done a fantastic job to develop the car during the last few races. I think we will be in good shape this weekend too.
“The memories from last year’s race in Baku are still very strong. We had great pace and I loved the track layout.
“To recover from a gearbox penalty and still finish on the podium was a very special feeling. It was definitely one of my best weekends in Formula 1.
“If we can find the sweet spot again this year I think we can fight for some big points.”
