Racing Point still sees 'a lot to fight for' in final races

SportPesa Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer says the pink squad is determined to stake its claim for fifth in the Constructors' standings as long as the math allows it to do so.

With the exception of a pointless run in Singapore, the Silverstone-based outfit has enjoyed a consistent presence among the top ten on Sundays since Spa, and trails Renault by 18 points in the championship.

Overhauling the French team for fifth is a tall order, but it’s a target that will remain in Racing Point's sight as long as the numbers add up.

"Brazil presents us with another good opportunity to score points," said Szafnauer ahead of this weekend penultimate round of the 2019 season.

"The car has been working well across a range of different tracks and I’m confident we can be just as competitive this weekend.

• Racing Point gets green light for state-of-the-art factory

"It’s hard to judge our performance at the last race in the USA because it was compromised by various factors, but there’s no doubt we didn’t show our true potential

"Overall, as we near the end of the season, I can say that I am pleased with our performance since the summer break," added the American.

"We’ve worked hard to improve the car and scored points in all but one of the last seven races.

"The point we scored in America helped move us up to sixth place in the championship and mathematically we can still aim for fifth.

"There’s lots at stake and lots to fight for, so we need to maximise the opportunities this weekend."

Spearheading Racing Point's difficult challenge at Interlagos, Sergio Perez is a big fan of the Brazilian venue.

"When you arrive in Brazil, you know the season is nearing the end," said the Mexican.

"It’s the time of the year when it’s getting close in the championship. We still have a chance to fight for fifth, so adding more points this weekend is very important.

"I like being in Brazil and in some ways it reminds me of Mexico. The people are very warm and relaxed, and they love F1 just as much as the Mexican fans.

"They are always having a party in the grandstands.

"The circuit is quite short and it reminds me of a karting track. Even though it looks quite simple, it’s not easy to get the perfect lap.

"You need to be really precise with placing the car and to find the lap time you need to use the kerbs.

"The weather can be a major factor too. It rains quite often and clouds can develop quickly in the area. That can mix things up, as it did in 2016."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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