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F1 European GP: Focused Perez ignoring future speculation

Sergio Perez says he won't allow talks about his future in F1 distract him, even if he admits he is ultimately seeking a drive that will give him the opportunity to challenge for race wins eventually.

The Mexican notched up a sixth podium of his F1 career at the Monaco Grand Prix and scored further points for Force India in Canada too, lifting him into the top ten in the overall standings for the first time this year.

Coupled to a strong run of form towards the end of the 2015 season, Perez is considered in the mix for some of the top teams ahead of an anticipated shake up in the driver market, with a move to Ferrari being mooted over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

Indeed, Perez - who spent a disappointing single season with McLaren in 2013 before joining Force India - admits it is his target to acquire a car that will allow him to challenge for wins, even if for the time being he is committed to pushing Force India up the order.

"If that happened [joining a top team] that would be a great opportunity to me and I really hope in the near future I can have the opportunity to be in a car that can give me the opportunity to win.

"The most important thing for me is to focus on the present and try to keep doing the job that I've been doing so far."

Reflecting on the potential of the VJM09 package, which has shown an upturn in pace since a major upgrade in Barcelona, Perez admits regular podium challenges are fanciful but he believes Williams is within range.

"Probably podiums is not the realistic word for us at the moment but certainly continue the progress and keep scoring points and aim to beat Williams. It is going to be difficult but I think we are making good progress and we are getting better and better every race."

Zdroj: crash.net