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F1 US GP: Perez convinced Force India can move forward in 2017

Sergio Perez says Force India's rapid rate of improvement since 2014 was a significant factor in his decision to re-sign for 2017, not least because he feels it shows the team can continue ascending the grid under the new regulations.

Joining Force India at the start of the current V6 Hybrid era of regulations in 2014, Perez has enjoyed notable success with the British-based outfit over the past three seasons, notching up four of his career seven podiums.

Currently eighth in the drivers' reckoning with four races remaining and on course for a career-best finish in the overall standings, though Perez was reportedly chased hard by Renault for 2017 he eventually chose to stay based on Force India's emergence as a leading mid-field team during his time there.

Indeed, Perez feels Force India has a good opportunity to make an even bigger impact in 2017 if it can successfully capitalise on the new technical regulations.

"It's one of the reasons I decided to stay because I know the key people that are in the team and I know that these people can keep performing and doing good things on the team so I see a good future, especially for next year. It's a big opportunity for this team to do another step forward."

"Going into the new generation of cars I'm extremely comfortable in this team, I believe in the prospect that we can keep on where we are with the team. You never know with the new rules, if we can move quite a bit forward.

"At the moment we are fourth in the constructors and the top three teams are locked out, so there were no other better options. Whatever option that I went, I was going to go sideways or backwards, so that's why I decided my best short-term future is here."

Following the team's best-ever fifth place finish in the constructors' standings last year, Force India is now well placed to surpass that with fourth this year having pulled a 10 point margin over Williams.

Zdroj: crash.net