The Red Bull driver could only manage 12th fastest in the afternoon session, just over a second down on ജteammate Max Verstappen w𒆙ho topped the session.

Perez expects to be in the fight at the front in qualifying deওspite struggling to get a lap together in FP2.

Explaining his lack of pace in second practice, Perez said: “I think if we are able to find the rhythm overnight, we should be able to get some goo🦩d lap time.

“I got a pretty bad run, some traffic involved, and some changes that probably we took a wrong direction with them. I don’t think we we✱re as bad as it looked.

“Max had a good day on pace and yes I think we are looking th✱ere and I think tomorrow hopefully we are able to find a lot of pace overnight, understand a bit the issues and we should be💟 there.”

Verstappen ende𒐪d꧑ second practice 0.008s clear of Valtteri Bottas.

The Dutchman was pleased with the progress Red Bull has made but admits the hot temperatures combined w🀅ith the gusty w💖ind is making it difficult to nail a lap.

“Yes I think we improved quite well ꦇeven during the session,” Verstappen added. “Of course, FP1 I wasn’t entirely happy then FP2 also started still not amazing, but I think on the second set, the car felt a lot better, a lot more connected, but it’s still really difficult around here; the track is very hot, it’s quite windy out there, so it’s not easy to nail the lap.  

 But I think overall it’s been a good end to the day๊, so hopefully we can be competitive tomorrow.”