Perez: 'Still not close enough to Red Bull'

40

Sergio Perez produced his usual solid performance in qualifying for Force India, clocking in with the sixth fastest time, and trailed by team Esteban Ocon.

The Force India pair emphasized once again their rewarding consistency with a trouble-free session which sets the Silverstone-based team up nicely for more points in tomorrow's race.

"It was a good run," admitted Perez.

"There was a lot of pressure on my last lap because I was a hundred meters from the finish line when Charlie (Whiting) decide to put the red flag down, but in the end I think we got maximum we could today.

Hamilton beats Bottas to pole position in Baku

The Mexican isn't expecting a podium finish tomorrow on merit alone, but factoring in the unexpected some big points could be in order.

"We're really close to the Red Bulls, but not quite there. I really wanted to be closer to them.

"We've seen it many times, you have two categories in Formula 1 and at the moment we are in the second category but hopefully tomorrow is a long race, a lot can happen around here so we will see."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

LAST CHANCE to enter our ULTIMATE TRACKDAY competition! FREE ENTRY HERE!

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.