After a disappointing qualifying performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, which limited his chances on race day, Sergio Perez is hoping his track record at Monza results in a straightforward weekend.
Perez failed to get out of Q1 at Zandvoort, with a subsequent engine change leading to him starting from the pit lane.
Although the Mexican battled back to finish eighth in the race, he's hoping Monza will be kinder to him, having claimed points at the last seven Italian GPs, following on from a podium back in 2012.
"Generally, it has been a good track for me in the past," Perez told RacingNews365.com and other members of the media.
"I've been on the podium here. It suits my driving. I've had good cars around, but there is always room to improve.
"I really hope this year, especially with the Sprint Qualifying, that things can go smooth and we can have a straightforward weekend and get back to the podium."
Earlier in the week, Max Verstappen said that he expects Mercedes to have the advantage in terms of straight-line speed at Monza, and Perez admits the Silver Arrows will be tough to beat.
"We are expecting Mercedes to be very strong," Perez added.
"Qualifying will be extremely close. It will be very important to do the best possible lap we can [in qualifying]."
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F1 Podcast: Can Mercedes stop Verstappen hat-trick after Dutch dreams come true at Zandvoort?
It's time for the latest episode of our new Formula 1 podcast, with F1 journalists Dieter Rencken, Thomas Maher and Mike Seymour chatting about Max Verstappen's dream weekend at home in Zandvoort!
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Pérez
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