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Force India overdelivering in F1 2017, Perez believes

Sergio Perez believes Force India is "overdelivering" so far in 2017, against Formula 1 midfield rivals with superior pace.

Force India has scored points with both cars in all three grands prix to sit fourth in the constructors' championship, despite struggling for pace until it introduces a major upgrade package for next month's Spanish Grand Prix.

Perez finished seventh in Bahrain, after starting 18th, and made the team's only Q3 appearance of the year so far in China.

"I think as a team we are overdelivering massively, given where the car performance is at the moment," Perez said.

"We are taking opportunities from others, from other people getting it wrong.

"I don't think the car pace, especially [in Bahrain], has been great.

"I'm sure when I look back at the race simulations we will not be the fifth or the fourth fastest team.

"So there's plenty to improve, and hopefully the next upgrade in Barcelona will move us forward.

"I think Williams and Renault are a bit ahead, Toro Rosso as well, but we were there to take any opportunity."

Perez failed to escape Q1 in Bahrain, after hitting double-waved yellows at the end of the session.

The Mexican said he "struggled all weekend" with a rear ride-height problem, while team-mate Esteban Ocon finished 10th from 14th.

"Some of the tools were not doing what we were expecting," Perez said.

"That meant I basically lost of rhythm with the car.

"In the race I think the pace was a bit better than expected, so there was plenty to analyse, and plenty to analyse from the upgrade as well.

"We had good [tyre] life in the first stint, we managed to save the tyre and build up a good gap, then we had the safety car, which helped our race.

"Once we get a bit more pace in the car, and we can move forward, we'll definitely be able to be very strong."

Zdroj: autosport.com