Perez enraged by 'super dangerous situation' in SQ3

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Sergio Perez was left fuming at the end of Saturday's Sprint Shootout at Spa after stumbling upon a group of slow-moving cars in the final segment of the session.

The Red Bull driver was ending his first push lap in SQ3 when he encountered at the final chicane several out of sequence drivers practically at a standstill on the track.

Perez was forced to overtake the group scattered across the track at racing speed to avoid compromising his flyer.

"It was a mess," said an enraged Perez at the end of the session which he concluded eighth. "A super dangerous situation that I found myself in with one dry line and people just stopped.

Belgian GP - Sprint Shootout results

"The difference in speed was huge, so really bad. I then opened my final lap on Charles’ tail so nothing I could do, I was just sitting there.

"Not good. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a good run programme in that session."

Perez, who is seeking to uphold his positive display in last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, hopes for a better outcome in this afternoon's 30-minute Sprint event.

"We will try," he said. "It will be another opportunity but we certainly didn’t maximise our chances today."

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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.