Brake failure rounds off unlucky weekend for Perez

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Sergio Perez retired on the ultimate round of the Austrian Grand Prix, his Force India the victim of a massive brake failure while the Mexican was heading home comfortably in the points.

Following a trouble run in qualifying yesterday after a suspension failure sidelined him early on in the session, Perez launched his race from 16th on the grid, but enjoyed a great start which saw him complete the first lap in 11th position.

The Mexican gradually lost ground however as pit stop rotation got underway but eventually succeeded in fighting his way into the top 10 and into the points, where he remained until the latter part of the race.

Unfortunately, it would all go terribly wrong a few miles from te checkered flag, with a brake failure pitching the Force India head on into the tyre wall at Turn 3.

"It’s a big shame that we retired on the last lap of the race," Perez said.

"I’m feeling sad for the team because we really deserved some points. Yesterday and today we have been really unlucky, and it’s frustrating because we’ve been competitive here with our pace.

"The race was going really well and I thought we had the points in our pocket. I was pushing hard to stay close to Grosjean because I knew he had a five seconds time penalty.

"Then, on the final lap, going into turn three, I had no brakes and went straight on. I touched the barrier and damaged the front of the car, but I’m perfectly okay.

"It’s annoying because the team did everything right today and it’s just bad luck which stopped our great recovery."

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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.