Perez eyes opportunities from British GP 'step into the unknown'

British Grand Prix

Perez eyes opportunities from British GP 'step into the unknown'

Perez will start fourth alongside Leclerc

Sam Hall

Sunday 3 July 2022 13:30

Sergio Perez is confident he can seize the opportunities presented by a 'step into the unknown' at the British Grand Prix.

The early stages of the Silverstone weekend have been overshadowed by clouds and rain, the latter hitting qualifying, with only minimal dry running completed.

Red Bull driver Perez has been affected more than most, notably claiming he was "miles off" where the team's simulator had indicated it should have been after Friday practice.

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Confirming an "aerodynamic issue" around how new parts had been fitted, Perez went on to finish fourth in qualifying.

“The car was quite different to what I had on Friday but it shouldn’t be the end of the world," assessed Perez. "It should be easy to get up to speed.

"As long as we have a good strategy and things work in our favour, we should be strong but we will be going into the unknown.

"It just makes things a bit more interesting for everyone.”

Perez senses 'opportunity'

Perez starts behind Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc who sit on either side of his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen as the Dutchman's errors in Q3 scuppered his pole bid.

Unlike on Saturday, rain is not due to figure, with the exception of a potential shower in the build-up to the start, setting the scene for a strategic battle to unfold.

"Having a bad day and being fourth is not the end of the world because I only need to make three positions and then it will be a good one," added Perez.

"From the second row, I get a good start and things can look very different.

"Certainly you are able to follow but it will be a trade about having the right tyres at the right time and having the right pace to do it.”

Additional reporting by Ian Parkes