All options are open for Sahara Force India
Sahara Force India seems to be on the same momentum as the end of last season since both of its drivers ranked in the top 10. They can therefore hope to score points at the end of the race.
The change in the qualification system will have made at least one team satisfied: Sahara Force India. Indeed, it takes full advantage of the regulatory change. By placing Sergio Pérez in 9th position, just ahead of Nico Hülkenberg, it certainly misses Q3. But this allows it to choose its tires for the start of the race, as confirmed by Nico Hülkenberg: “In terms of results, I am quite satisfied with this 10th position. It is more or less where we expected to be today. With last year’s rules, we would have been in Q3. But with the new format, it’s really a good place to start because it opens up great strategy options for the first tire choice at the start of the race.”
Nevertheless, the big question remains the race pace since Friday’s session was lost due to unpredictable weather. Sergio Perez is still in suspense, even if scoring points remains the objective: “We still have questions about how the race will unfold. I think that’s the case for everyone due to the lack of running in dry conditions. I think it’s going to be an interesting Sunday and that we have the potential to score big points.”
For all the midfield teams, the start of the season is the perfect time to grab big points before the other teams catch up, especially from a reliability standpoint.
