Perez sees problem: 'Track in FP1 three seconds slower than in qualifying'

In Qatar, the sprint format returns for the first time since the summer break. This means only one free practice will be run prior to qualifying on Friday. Sergio Perez believes there will be huge differences in track conditions between the first free practice session and qualifying, due to all the sand on the track.

'Big differences between qualifying and VT1'

The first free practice session will start at 16:30 local time in Qatar. However, the track will still be quite covered in sand by then and thus still 'green'. Due to the amount of sand on the track, the track will still have little grip to offer at the start of the opening session and therefore the drivers will have to spend time 'cleaning' the track. This is obviously not ideal for F1 drivers, as the limited time is badly needed for qualifying later on Friday.

As a result, Perez expects huge differences between conditions in both sessions: "It's going to be an interesting weekend with FP1 and then straight into qualifying. We will probably find that the track is three seconds slower in FP1 with all the sand on it. So it will be an interesting one also going into the night for quali. I do expect a very interesting weekend overall," Perez said in Qatar.

Circuit in Qatar should suit RB19 well

In Japan two weeks ago, Red Bull Racing's car went very well and Perez says that indicates that will then be the case in Qatar as well: "Yeah, I think so. I do believe that it's going to be a similar trend in the high speed, with a lot of high-speed content. Obviously, conditions on the track are going to be very different," the Mexican also commented.