As Formula 1 returns to Mexico, Sergio Perez is all set and ready to go on the eve of his very first home Grand Prix weekend.
The Force India driver has enjoyed some solid races recently which have undoubtedly boosted his moral and prospects. But a good performance on home soil won't just be about ensuring continuity for Checo, it'll also be about living up the expectations of his huge Mexican fan base.
"The races in Russia and the United States have been an ideal way to prepare me for the return of my home race," Perez said.
"A podium finish and a strong fifth place have given me a lot of confidence ahead of the final part of the season. I think there is more to come from us and I’m really looking forward to the final few races."
“Having the opportunity of driving in my home Grand Prix is something I never thought would happen. It will be one of the highlights of my career and I have no doubt that this race will become a modern classic of Formula 1."
"Mexico has a lot of history in motorsport: the fans know the sport; they have a lot of enthusiasm and have been waiting a long time for Formula 1 to come back. I think everyone will have a great time."
Racing at home will obviously add a hefty amount of pressure and personal requests for Perez, but the Mexican is intended on remaining focused on the job at hand, first and foremost.
“Racing in Mexico is, of course, very special for me, but at the same time I should not let this distract me from the fact that it is another race in which I will need to give 100% to bring home a good result. I am incredibly motivated to work hard with my team to have another race to celebrate."
His assessment of the new Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which just partly retains a historic link with the track's original configuration, is very positive as he looks ahead to the layout's numerous challenges.
“I had the chance to drive a lap of the new track layout recently and it’s a fantastic circuit. There are quite a few changes compared to the old layout when F1 last raced there, but I don't think the circuit has lost any of its character."
"The new section in the stadium is spectacular and it will be such an incredible emotion to drive through there for the first time when it’s full of fans. There are a lot of fast sections, but at the same time you have a combination of fast, slow and medium-speed corners that make for a very varied lap."
“I am also happy to see the final corner has been named after Nigel Mansell. He is a hero to motorsport fans in Mexico and I admire all he has achieved. Nigel won the last race in Mexico in 1992 and produced one of the greatest overtakes of all times there, so it is right that he has been honoured in this way.”
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