The Red Bull driver started 13th and gained eight positions during Saturday's race - precisely because of that, and trusting the good pace of the Taurus, the 'Czech' projects to be in the top-3 in the main race
After starting 13th in the sprint race in Spielberg, due to a penalty applied by the FIA (International Automobile Federation) hours after qualifying, Sergio Pérez climbed the field on Saturday (9). The Red Bull driver made use of his good pace and recovered to secure the fifth position on the starting grid for Sunday's race.
Pérez was punished by the governing body on Friday for exceeding track limits during Q2. As a (belated) consequence of the infraction, the Mexican had his Q3 laps deleted and thus started from 13th position in the sprint - where he was before the spin that led to the punishment.
After the F1 race at the Red Bull Ring on Saturday, 'Czech' celebrated the climb up the pack, having crossed the finish line in fifth place - adding 4 more points to his tally, reaching the 151 mark in the Drivers' World Championship.
"It was the most we could do. We climbed the peloton, but George (Russell) was already way ahead. It was the best in terms of damage limitation. I think we can fight from that and get the podium - that's going to be the goal and hopefully we'll succeed," Pérez defined.
GRAND PRIX follows LIVE and INREAL TIME all the activities of theAustrian GP weekend. On Sunday, the start is scheduled for 10:00 am (GMT-3).