Racing Point expecting ‘different F1 car’ in Melbourne - Perez

Sergio Perez says Racing Point expects to run a “different car” at the Australian Grand Prix as part of a significant development push early in the 2019 Formula 1 season. 

Following fresh investment from its takeover by Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll and additional sponsorship, the rebranded Racing Point squad is planning a raft of changes for its 2019 F1 car across the opening rounds of the new campaign. 

Technical director Andrew Green previously confirmed at the Silverstone-based outfit’s launch event earlier this month that Racing Point would run a “plain, ‘vanilla’ car” to conduct pre-season testing with, prior to a more radical development drive. 

Speaking after the end of running on day two of the second winter test, Perez insisted the team is targeting more mileage ahead of the start of the new season. 

“We expect quite a different car in Melbourne so the more understanding the better," he explained. 

“We need a bit more mileage in these final two days for the team to get more of an idea of where we really at. 

“We are learning a lot every day and not just when I am driving, but also when Lance is driving. We are understanding the car and heading in the right direction.” 

The Mexican finished second in the timesheets on Wednesday but feels like he is still playing catch up after completing less laps than he would have hoped so far across testing. 

“Certainly I’ve made good progress today,” he said. “But I really need a strong final day with a good programme and a lot of mileage in my pocket, try different fuel loads and so on. 

“It’s obviously important the preparation that you can get here but we are well aware that the most important is where you are in Melbourne. 

“If that means that we can have a big package that would be great. We knew coming here that we were always going to be limited with mileage but it’s how it is.

“So I really hope my final day can be really positive so I can be really with a good feeling. I think every day we are making good progress.”