Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsForce India

Perez ecstatic with podium finish

It was no contest for who looked the happiest on the Russian Grand Prix podium with Force India's Sergio Perez beaming from ear to ear.

The Mexican was desperately trying to hang on to third place when it all looked lost as Bottas and Raikkonen took advantage of the Force India's degraded front tyres down the inside of Turn 13 on the penultimate lap.

But drama ensued shortly after when the Ferrari made contact with Bottas, with Perez breezing by and justly reclaiming his coveted podium finish.

"It just feels great to be back with these boys," an ecstatic Perez said

" I’ve been enjoying so much my time with them. One lap before the end it seemed like everything went away from us. At that point I was really unhappy with myself because many things come to your mind."

"But then on my last lap I was like, ‘I gave it my all and there’s no more I could do’, I mean I’ve done plenty of laps with my tyres so I had massive degradation on my front tyres especially. So in the last lap when it came it was amazing and it’s very nice to give my second podium to this team. "

Perez enjoyed a good start to the afternoon's proceedings but Force India decided to bring the Mexican in for soft tyres on lap 13 during the second Safety Car period associated with Romain Grosjean's crash.

"On the restart, I got stuck behind Massa, so along with the team we decided to look after the tyres. It worked really well although we briefly lost the podium at the end, but there was nothing I could do to hold them back."

With his home race in Mexico just a few weeks away, Perez feels he's on a roll with confidence and motivation building.

"I'm going through a great momentum in my career. That's something that makes me confident. I'm happy to give a second podium to the team, and it's great news that I'm staying with Force India. Hopefully we can maintain the momentum for the rest of the year.

Hamilton close to title after Russian GP win

AS IT HAPPENED: Russian Grand Prix

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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.