After a winter of recharging his batteries and building up his physical form, Force India's Sergio Perez is all set for a new season of Formula 1.
Like its rivals, the Silverstone-based outfit took up residency at Barcelona for pre-season testing which it completed with a satisfactory level of performance and reliability.
Obviously, a solid start to a campaign is always what any driver aims for in Australia, and Perez is no exception.
"The first race of the year is always good fun," admits the Mexican.
"We’ve had a long winter to recharge the batteries, but now I just want to go racing again. Australia is the best place to start the season: it’s a great country and I really enjoy going there.
"There is so much to do in Melbourne and it’s a fun weekend, even if it’s busier than some of the other races."
As much fun as Melbourne is for the teams and drivers, the pleasure is gradually shut off as the focus on racing seeps in.
"It’s important not to get distracted: we want to start well and get back into the race weekend rhythm, and get on with our work.
"The track itself is quite enjoyable and it’s a challenge to drive because it’s almost a street circuit. It starts the weekend very green and as you go on, you get more grip and more confidence in your new car."
Force India's new sponsor means the team will be racing in pink, a color which embodies a lot of optimism and hope.
"I am confident we can do well and score points from the first race: Australia is a place where anything can happen and we have seen some very unpredictable races there in the past.
"You never know what opportunities turn up in a race so you have to be ready at all times to take them."
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