• Indian Grand Prix

Perez believes fifth has lifted pressure

ESPN Staff
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Sergio Perez believes his fifth place in the Indian Grand Prix "is a promising sign" and will have relieved some pressure.

With McLaren still to confirm its driver line-up for 2014, Perez's future has come under question after a tough opening season with the team. However, fifth place in India was Perez's best result of the season and matched team-mate Jenson Button's highest finish, and Perez believes it will lift the team late in the year.

"Fifth place is a great result for me," Perez said. "Without question, I have a lot of pressure on my shoulders, but it's always sweeter when you perform well while under pressure. I'm extremely satisfied. In the closing laps, it was a fantastic feeling to get past Kimi [Raikkonen] and Lewis [Hamilton] in a single move. I just braked as late as I could for Turn Four to try and keep Lewis behind - and I managed to do it.

"It's been a tough season, but [Sunday's] result is a promising sign and really motivates the whole workforce ahead of the last three races, where we'll be doing our best to get more strong finishes under our belts."

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh also praised Perez for the way he executed his race.

"Checo drove a very committed and disciplined race all afternoon to take a very well-deserved fifth position at the chequered flag," Whitmarsh said. "He didn't put a foot wrong: he made a strong start, pushed hard throughout the race, and pulled off some great overtaking moves, all while carefully looking after his tyres, particularly on his long, first stint."

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