Perez expecting more entertaining Bahrain race

After a widely criticised opening to the season, which only saw five on track overtakes in Melbourne, Sergio Peres believes that overtaking will increase in the second round of the season in Bahrain.

Many F1 fans were left disappointed by the spectacle in Australia, which saw Sebastian Vettel take victory from Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen.

Force India will consider themselves unlucky to miss out on points in the season opener, with Perez and Ocon finishing just outside the points-paying places, in 11th and 12th.

By Force India’s recent high standards, this result was a disappointment, as they only failed to score points at one race last season, at the typically unpredictable Monaco Grand Prix.

Perez believes that Bahrain will be an easier track to overtake on than Albert Park, saying: “The Bahrain track often creates good racing. I still remember the battle I had here with my old team-mate Jenson Button in 2013.

“The layout really allows you to race wheel-to-wheel at times, if you lose a position at turn one, you can fight back through turns two, three and four.

“It’s difficult to overtake in Melbourne, but Bahrain should be easier because it’s a more traditional track.”