Perez, Force India set for Spa power surge

Sergio Perez is confident Force India is vindicated in its decision to opt for an aggressive ‘top speed’ set-up for the Belgian Grand Prix despite the compromise it demands elsewhere on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Perez and team-mate Esteban Ocon would frequently prove quickest through the first sector – comprising La Source, Eau Rouge and the run down to Les Combes – during FP3 and qualifying, indicating Force India had put all of its emphasis on high top speeds primarily.

Though this is also a benefit through the quick final sector, the more chassis-dependent second sector demands a more compromising way of driving which Perez admits would result in the VJM10 sliding around.

However, the Mexican racer – who starts eighth just ahead of Ocon - is confident Force India has made the right choice with its race day set-up in the team’s attempts to get the better of Renault.

“I think this is the way forwards for us. That’s definitely good for us.

“It’s been tough [in Sector 2], especially with the amount of sliding that we’re carrying. We’re carrying too much sliding there and we’re on the limit. If you get one corner wrong, then you lose quite a bit of load and a bit of grip from the tyre. It’s been quite easy to slide the tyre in sector two.

“I think we’ve got the right setup for the race tomorrow. I was more concerned for qualy, but for the race we should be quite strong tomorrow.”