Force India’s Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg are preparing for a potentially difficult race after qualifying at the Sochi Autodrom.
Perez got through to Q3 for the second successive race and set a lap time of 1:37.212 to finish in seventh place, but will start in sixth due after Sebastian Vettel’s gearbox penalty. Hulkenberg had a more difficult day, setting a lap time of 1:37.771 in Q2 to finish in 13th place.
“I am very pleased with our performance today and my final lap in Q3 was fantastic – just when it mattered.” the Mexican said.
“We were strong in Q1 and Q2; I was feeling very comfortable in the car and I was able to deliver great laps in each of the sessions.
“We are making good progress as a team and our pace over one lap is very strong: it will be interesting to see how we perform tomorrow because we have a fast car behind us [Vettel in seventh, as well as Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton being in tenth] and it will be a big challenge to hold our position.
“This is not a track that helps overtaking so there should be some nice battles. We have enough tyres to choose the best strategy tomorrow and I am optimistic we can come away with a nice result.”
A good result would be appreciated for both drivers after a tough start of the season, and the fact it is the 100th Grand Prix both drivers have entered, but Hulkenberg thinks the midfield competition may make it difficult for them.
“It was a fairly straightforward qualifying session, but not with the outcome I wanted,” the German said.
“I’ve not felt comfortable since I jumped in the car yesterday and it’s been a struggle to find the grip and performance we were expecting.
“We changed a lot of parts overnight and before qualifying, but it didn’t take us in the direction we needed. Obviously we can’t change the car ahead of the race so I think it’s going to be a tough Sunday considering how close things are in the middle of the grid.”
