• European Grand Prix

Perez looking for Canada repeat

ESPN Staff
June 15, 2012 « Schumacher fully focused on Valencia fightback | Vettel concerned by overtaking risks around Valencia »
Sergio Perez is keen to taste more of the podium © Sutton Images
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Fresh from his second podium finish of what is proving to be a breakthrough season, Sergio Perez is hoping for more of the same in Valencia next weekend.

Perez fought his way through the field to a superb third in Canada and also finished second in Malaysia amid torrential rain.

"I enjoyed the Montreal result very much and I want more of that," said Perez. "I like the track in Valencia a lot and also the atmosphere during the race weekend, as we are quite close to the fans. I don't have the best memories of my Formula One debut race in Valencia, as it was last year and a very difficult one for me. I was returning to racing after my heavy shunt in Monaco and, in hindsight, I have to admit I don't think I was fit enough.

"The Valencia street circuit has quite long straights with hard braking into the corners, and what we have learnt from Montreal will be important for that."

Team-mate Kamui Kobayashi has shown glimpses of form, including a fifth place finish in Spain and the Japanese driver is hoping for hot weather to help him out in Valencia.

"In Valencia it is usually very hot. I personally like that, but it is difficult to say what it means for the car and the tyres," said Kobayashi. "It will be tough, that much is certain. Tyre management will be the key, together with a good race strategy. The street circuit also requires a decent amount of downforce for the car. You are always quite close to the walls, but after our last two races in Monaco and Montreal this is nothing new.

"Overtaking is not easy but not impossible either. In 2010 it was actually good fun. Valencia as a city is a nice destination by many measure, I would happily choose it for my holidays. By the way, you can also get the best fresh squeezed orange juice there. However, my target is a strong qualifying as well as a strong race."

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