"Surprised" Perez confident of ending two-year podium drought

Sergio Perez is confident of ending his podium drought that stretches back over two years after surprising himself in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix.

The Mexican will line up fourth at Monza, equalling his career-best performance, after finishing just 0.025secs behind third-placed Carlos Sainz, but ahead of both Red Bulls.

Perez conceded to surprise in qualifying as high as he did as Racing Point had opted to focus more on race pace.

"We were not expecting this performance in qualifying," said Perez, who was last on the podium when finishing third in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

""If anything we’ve been focusing a lot on the race because we thought our pace didn’t look that great.

"So we are definitely in a great position for tomorrow, and be able to be in the mix. If everything goes right, we should be getting that podium."

It was expected the new technical directive banning the use of 'qualifying modes' on engines to hamper the Mercedes-powered cars.

Although three of the top four qualifiers at Monza have a Mercedes power unit, Perez still thinks the 'party mode' ban cost him and Racing Point.

"I think it definitely hurt us in qualifying, not having that extra power," assessed Perez.

"It probably could have been the difference for us being higher up the grid. In the race, though, it should be okay."

Before you go...

New lap-time rule "made things worse" in shambolic qualifying - Renault

Leclerc praying to see "light at end of the tunnel" for Ferrari

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