Sergio Perez hindered by mechanical issue in second practice

Sergio Perez had his preparations for the Korean Grand Prix cut short during the second practice session, after his Ferrari-powered Sauber C31 suffered a mechanical issue. This prevented the Mexican driver from completing race simulations, which the majority of the field ran in the second half of the afternoon session.

After apparently loosing engine power, Sergio Perez came to a halt on the side of the circuit just after turn 10. Once the marshals had retrieved the stricken car and returned it to the pits, Perez initially looked set to return to the track, however the 22-year-old eventually failed to make his way back out after further issues plagued his machine.

“For me the first session went quite well but then in the second session I lost a lot of track time because of a technical problem.” Explained Sergio Perez, after the opening day of practice at Korea. “I just had no engine power anymore and had to stop on the track. That was why I could not complete my programme and haven’t done any long runs on either tyre compound yet so it is too early to say what we can do here. Nevertheless I am very confident for the remainder of the weekend.”

Unlike his team-mate, Kamui Kobayashi was unhindered throughout the opening two practice sessions. However, the Hinwil-based outfit have confirmed that they desperately need to find more low-speed pace if they wish to remain competitive in the latter stages of the season. Kobayashi achieved his first podium last weekend on home soil in Japan, however it remains to be seen whether or not Sauber can repeat such success this weekend.

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