Sergio Perez reckons he should be able to get his Sauber C31 into the final pole position shoot-out in Abu Dhabi come Saturday.
The Mexican driver had a solid start to his weekend at the Yas Marina circuit, finishing Friday's twilight session under lights in tenth place.
Perez, who is on his way to McLaren next season, posted a best time of 1:43.106, which was 1.355s down on Sebastian Vettel's P1 time.
"For me it was a good day," he declared.
"We have completed our entire planned programme, so in this respect it was very positive.
"I am comfortable with the balance of the car and, therefore, I think my position in the second session is pretty much what we are capable of here.
"This means Q3 is possible."
But while Perez was confident, his team-mate Kamui Kobayashi was not as he could only manage the 16th best time, 1.938s off the pace.
"I definitely have to work and improve the balance of the car," said the Japanese driver. "At the moment it isn't right in any regard, but it is only day one in Abu Dhabi.
"The track's grip normally improves a lot here, which might also help.
"Today I didn't really manage to get the tyres to work. However, on long runs I don't see any issues with either the soft or medium compounds in terms of degradation."
Related Links
Vettel edges Hamilton in second practice
Friday's Pictures From Abu Dhabi
