Perez looking for twelfth consecutive points finish!

©ForceIndia

One race into the 2017 season, Sergio Perez is enthusiastic about the future as he heads to China aiming for more points with with Force India.

Perez saluted the team's double-points finish in Australia which also happened to be his personal best opening race with his current team and his eleventh consecutive finish in the points!

"Our seventh place finish in Melbourne was very satisfying," said Checo.

"We beat some cars that had better pace because we made the right decisions with the strategy. Our performance in Melbourne showed that we have done a good job over the winter, but there are still areas where we need to improve.

"The upgrades we have coming during the next couple of races should help. It’s about improving the overall balance of the car."

"The seventh place in Melbourne represents my best ever start to a season with this team and I have a good feeling for the races to come.

"In the last few years we’ve shown that we can develop the car well and that’s going to be especially important this year. We’ve already made a big step forward since pre-season testing."

More points in Ocon's line of sight

Like his peers, Perez acknowledged the difficulties of racing wheel-to-wheel with the new-spec cars, but also the pleasure derived from driving the faster machines.

"I enjoyed racing with these new cars. Yes, overtaking is not easy, especially with the shorter braking distances, but Melbourne has always been a difficult track for overtaking.

"I was happy with my fitness, too. The cars are much more physical, but I felt strong after the race and I believe I’m in the best shape of my life."

As for China, Checo is a fan of the stimulating atmosphere in Shanghai, at or around the circuit.

"Every time I visit China I see big enthusiasm from the fans. They wait outside our hotel and make special gifts for us.

"It always gives me positive energy. The size of Shanghai impresses me too. It’s very international and there is so much to see and do. I always make an effort to try the local food."

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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.