“A lot closer” – Sergio Perez plays down Red Bull’s early F1 advantage in testing

Sergio Perez has performed down claims that Crimson Bull have a considerable benefit over their F1 rivals, claiming it’s “loads nearer” than some persons are making out.

Perez spent the entire day within the RB20, taking on from world champion teammate Max Verstappen.

The Mexican set the second-fastest time of the day – the quickest of any driver on the C3 tyre – finishing 129 laps within the course of.

Crimson Bull’s type has been ominous, notably after Verstappen dominated day one, topping the timesheets by over a second.

Nevertheless, Perez feels the hole to Crimson Bull’s rivals has shrunk over the winter.

“I consider that issues are loads nearer than we’re pondering, undoubtedly,” Perez stated.

“I don’t actually assume that we’ve had a lot of a glance [at our rivals] in that regard,” he added.

“In the mean time we’re mainly centered on our job, we’ve been so busy with our programme. I feel tomorrow, there will probably be a bit extra of an thought, however I feel we’ll discover out subsequent Sunday [following the Bahrain Grand Prix].”

Perez hailed the RB20 as a “step ahead in the precise path” regardless of the circumstances being “tough”.

“Typically talking, it’s undoubtedly a step ahead in the precise path with the automotive,” he added. “It’s clearly a really tough monitor, with the morning to the afternoon, dialling in some set-up, and getting to grasp some set-up compound. 

“It’s very tough as a result of the monitor is altering just about each outing, so you need to base all the things just about in your feeling.”

Perez will probably be again within the automotive on Friday morning earlier than handing over to Verstappen.