Perez: Hard work moving Racing Point 'in a good direction'

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Sergio Perez is optimistic ahead of this week's Canadian Grand Prix, the Mexican believing that Racing Point's performance is ripe for a rebound.

The Silverstone-based outfit under-performed in Spain and in Monaco despite its RP19 receiving a raft of updates in Barcelona.

However, Perez is confident that Racing Point's unrelentling efforts to improve its 2019 contender will start paying dividends, starting with Montreal.

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"We’ve had a tough couple of races in Spain and Monaco, but I feel more positive about our chances in Canada," said Perez.

"I can see how much effort is going on behind the scenes to bring performance to the car and I believe we are moving in a good direction.

"Montreal is a very unique track all about straights and high-speed chicanes, which I think will suit our car."

Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer views next weekend's event as an important won for the pink squad on several levels.

"Canada is an important weekend for everybody in the team," said Szafnauer.

"It’s a home race for Lance so it’s going to be busy on and off the track.

"It’s always a fun week because the Canadian fans are some of the best in the world. The grandstands are full and the city gives us a really warm welcome every year.

"As a circuit it’s a very different challenge compared to the last two races.

"You need good top speed, stability under braking and a car that can attack the kerbs.

"I think we can be competitive there considering the strengths of our car and the priority is to pick up points to maintain our position in the championship."

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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.