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Sergio Pérez is convinced that the security car charges him a first podium in almost two and a half years at the Eifel Grand Prix.
The Mexican captured fourth place for the time being in a back-to-back race, mimicking his feat in Russia two weeks earlier, on a hectic weekend for the Racing Point team.
Although Perez missed any of the races at Silverstone in August after positive for COVID-19, this time it was his colleague Lance Stroll who was in poor health at Nurburgring (negative for coronavirus) and was replaced by Nico Hulkenberg.
However, the duo, who were teammates at Force India, as Racing Point used to be, from 2014 to 2016 contributed to the “Pink Panthers” taking third place in the world constructors’ championship.
Hulkenberg, who had won only one overdue revocation on Saturday morning to take part in qualifying, began as expected at the back of the grid, but finished eighth, 4 points from Perez.
– BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@ RacingPointF1) October 12, 2020
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However, Perez believes that without the protection of the car that gave the impression when he had to get rid of Lando Norris’ distressed McLaren from the edge of the track, his problems would have been even greater.
“The race went according to plan in some way,” Perez said. “We had a smart start, we controlled the first relay well, we went a long time and I think that made our career.
“I think without the protective car, the podium would be ours. We were catching up with Daniel [Ricciardo] very fast. He’s going to have trouble at some point with his tires, but the protective car’s here. “
“We actually stayed away, but I asked the team ‘are you sure?’ Because we had done this in some races and it didn’t work, and here it is so bloodless that it will be very difficult to reset the tires. We boxed and finished in the same position. I think it was a smart decision for the team.
“On the reboot, I tried and almost put [Ricciardo] on turn 4, but it didn’t work. “
Pérez is still satisfied, however, as he provided another announcement of his talent as a driving force in the search for a seat next year after being expelled from Racing Point to make way for Sebastian Vettel.
“I think it’s a wonderful result for the team,” he added. “Nico also did a great job, posing smart problems for the team. I think the car works well and we did very well in situations, very satisfied with it.
“It was a wonderful day [for us] at the championship. We leave Germany very satisfied and hope that Lance will soon place him [in the next race] in Portugal.
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