Petrov: We didn’t perform at our usual level

A disappointing weekend for the team - what was your impression?

In all honesty, we had a race to forget. First of all I had some problems with KERS shortly after the start, which cost me a few tenths each lap and made it difficult to overtake. Then, the tyres started to behave poorly; when cars started overlapping me, I had to slow down a little and the tyre pressure went down. We have to pull together and look at why the car isn’t performing at circuits such as Singapore.

Even though the R31 is not naturally suited to a circuit such as Singapore, it was a below par performance…

Yes, it was. We didn’t perform at our usual level, but the final five venues are all places where the R31 should perform better so the team will be in more buoyant mood as we approach the Japanese GP.

So we can expect more from the team in Japan?

Yes, most definitely. It’s a faster track with lower downforce. Before Singapore we started to show improving signs so hopefully we can return to that line of performance sharpish.