Sergio Perez to finally get upgraded Racing Point at F1 Eifel GP

Sergio Perez’s wait to try out Racing Point’s upgraded Formula 1 car will finally come to an end at this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix.

The majorly revised aerodynamic package has so far only been raced by Lance Stroll following its introduction at last month’s Tuscan Grand Prix.

It was estimated to be worth around three-tenths of a second per lap, but Racing Point was only able to get enough parts for one car, meaning Stroll got to debut the package due to being the team’s highest-placed driver.

Racing Point had hoped to bring enough parts to run two fully updated RP20s at the Russian Grand Prix, but a heavy crash for Stroll at Mugello and a subsequent lack of spares meant those plans had to be put on hold.

But the Silverstone outfit has taken advantage of a rare two-week gap between races in F1’s congested 2020 calendar to ready the upgrade for both its drivers in time for this weekend’s race in Germany.

After finishing fifth at Mugello and a brilliant fourth at Sochi, Perez has moved up to ninth place in the drivers’ championship, just one point behind Stroll.

Perez has been in fine form since returning from missing two races at Silverstone after contracting coronavirus.

The Mexican is currently scrambling to find a drive for next season after losing his seat at Racing Point to four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who will join the team from Ferrari in time for its rebrand to Aston Martin.

Speaking ahead of the Eifel GP, Perez said: “It’s great to have the challenge of adapting to new circuits, it’s definitely going to be fun here.

"You need to find the right balance on corner stability across a variety of turns at different speeds. Overtaking is possible, but certainly not easy.

"Also, I’m happy we’re racing a full season, so credit to Formula 1 and the FIA for making it happen. It’s great that we can have a full calendar this year.”