Sergio Perez has enjoyed a relatively consistent 2016 season which currently sees him 8th in the championship standings, with a 20-point lead over his team mate Nico Hulkenberg.
His future with Force India was the subject of much speculation until recently, when Perez himself said that he believed he would be staying with Vijay Mallya's team although he could not confirm a new deal until all the details had been signed off.
In the interim, the Mexican will be racing once again for points next weekend in Sepang , a venue which highlights two particularities for Perez: the usually precarious weather and his fantastic podium finish in 2012 which he isn't about to forget.
"Sepang is usually a circuit where rain is a certainty rather than a possibility," says the Force India driver.
"It’s where I scored my first podium in Formula 1, in 2012, thanks to making the most of the weather conditions. Being in a position to fight for the win came as a shock for me as we did not expect it, but the emotions of that day will stay with me forever.
Although the Malaysian Grand Prix has been moved this year to the latter part of the season from its traditional earlier date, the change shouldn't offer much difference in terms of tropical weather.
Sepang will certainly provide drivers with its usual physical challenge, although Perez insists the main difficulty will consist once again in dealing with tyre degradation under the warm conditions.
"It’s another physical race, with the heat and humidity. The track itself is very long and there are a several technical corners.
"There are long straights with big braking zones that require precision and the high temperatures take the life out of the tyres quickly, especially the rear ones. We have done well in similar hot conditions this season so hopefully we can be on the pace once again."
Perez brought his car home in 8th position in Singapore following what he considered a good race. He'll be looking for more of the same in Malaysia and short of this will be a disappointment.
"Getting a good result after a difficult weekend, as in Singapore, is a big boost for everyone in the team. It shows we can overcome challenges and that you should never give up.
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