Perez has "some ground to make up"

Sergio Perez has been left disappointed by his efforts in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, leaving him in tenth place for tomorrow’s race at Suzuka circuit.

Perez, who will be racing for the Force India team next year, in whichever guise they use, will be hoping to make up some places in tomorrow’s race, especially with both Toro Rossos, driven by Brendon Hartley and Pierre Gasly ahead of him.

The Mexican has 47 points, just six points behind Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, who are level on 53 points in seventh place in the Drivers’ Championship, below only the drivers from the top two teams.

Hence the desire from Perez to be higher up the grid, especially when Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and the Renault drivers are further down the field.

Perez said: “I am not very happy with my qualifying result because I think I should have been in front of quite a few other cars.  

“In Q3 I went wide and lost a lot of time on my first lap when the track was at its best so there is definitely the feeling I could have done a lot more today.

“We need to make up some ground tomorrow. We start in the top ten and we have good pace so good points are achievable.”

Perez and Ocon are level on 47 points, and despite qualifying two places ahead of Perez, Ocon will start below him after a penalty for speeding under red flags.