Perez says Imola was a missed opportunity for him and needs to respond in Portugal

After a week of well-earned rest, the Portuguese Grand Prix is scheduled for this weekend at the Portimao circuit. Sergio Perez will have the opportunity to avenge his lacklustre performance in Imola. On Saturday the Mexican had a great time, but on Sunday he was unable to perform at all. How does he see the next Grand Prix going?

In an official Red Bull Racing press release, 'Checo' said he was pleased with his performance on Saturday: "I think I even surprised myself that I was so fast in only my second race weekend with Red Bull, and that I was able to get the most out of the car in such a short time. Looking back, I think the fact that I was able to adapt to such a different car and driving style gave me a lot of confidence and it showed me that I can adapt well."

So Perez is hoping for a better weekend in Portugal and he sees that happening. "Imola was a missed opportunity because I think we should have finished 1-2 there. It's a pretty tricky circuit to get the most out of, especially if you've recently changed teams, but in Portugal I hope to be in the mix and get everything out of the car. We know what the car is capable of and the goal is to live up to its potential."

However, the Mexican knows he needs to get a grasp of how to understand the RB16B as quickly as possible. "It's just time in the car. The more work you put in, the more you get out. I analyse, take notes, talk to the mechanics and look back at the footage. Everything you do helps you prepare the best you can. You can see that everyone who changed teams this year needs time to get up to speed."