Force India drivers gearing up for another close battle

©ForceIndia

40

Force India's Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon delivered another strong performance in qualifying this afternoon, finishing the session in tandem P8 and P9.

The Silverstone-based outfit got on top of the balance issues which affected its performance on Friday and heads in to tomorrow's race with a strong foundation.

Like most of the front runners, Perez and Ocon were hard pressed to make the most of the session because of the deployment of yellow flags in the dying stages of Q3.

"I’m feeling happy with our performance today," said Perez.

"I think it was one of my best qualifying sessions when you consider how difficult things have been leading up to the session. I was P17 in second practice and P18 in final practice this morning.

"So to end qualifying in eighth place shows the mega steps we have taken to improve the car. It’s been a huge effort by the whole team."

Perez hoping for 'a change of attitude' from Ocon

Ocon wasn't all that satisfied with his work Saturday afternoon although he conceded that in the end, P9 was nothing to complain about given how events unfolded.

"I am not completely happy with ninth place, given all that happened in the session, but it’s still a good starting position," said the Frenchman.

"My fastest lap in Q3 was set on used tyres, but the yellow flags meant I couldn’t finish my attempt on fresh tyres.

" I feel I could have been a couple of places higher up, but it’s the way racing goes sometimes – you have to take your chances when you can.

"I enjoy this track and it’s a place where you can overtake so hopefully we can bring home some good points tomorrow."

Perez and Ocon will likely enjoy another close intra-team battle on Sunday given their comparable performance in qualifying.

Asked whether the prospect had him worried following a difficult couple of races with his team mate in Canada and Azerbaijan, Perez said he wasn't expecting any problems.

"I think this is in the past," said the Mexican.

"I spoke with the team, and Esteban has done the same, and we all feel that Esteban has understood the issues, what happened in Canada and what happened in the last race.

"I don't expect to have any more problems, and hopefully we can have a double finish tomorrow, and from now on until the end of the year."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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

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.