Perez troubled by Force India 'weaknesses'

©ForceIndia

Sergio Perez left yesterday afternoon's test session frustrated by a difficult running and by weaknesses Force India has identified with its VJM-10.

His programme did not go according to plan, with multiple issues disrupting the team's workload.

"We had a lot of interruptions," Perez explained

"Once with an early brake failure and then a couple of red flags, which [meant] we didn’t quite get our programme done, but I think we’re learning. We learned a lot once again.

"I think today the team has found a lot of the weaknesses that we have with the car, which is quite critical, and I think it’s just a matter of time before we sort them out, because I think it is quite easy to sort those issues."

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The 27-year-old Mexican remains optimistic however on the eve of a season in which Force India is ambitiously seeking to better its 2016 fourth place finish in the Constructors' standings.

"As always, it’s not important where you are in testing in Barcelona, its where you end up in Abu Dhabi, the last race.

"Obviously the team is pushing very hard to try to get some upgrades for Australia. Especially those upgrades which are probably easy to fix, but it just takes time.

"So hopefully we can fix most of them for Melbourne and, if not, by second or third race we should be already on a good level."

Perez will resume testing tomorrow for the final pre-season session.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.