Sergo Perez admits Sauber hard-pressed to catch Mercedes

The Hinwil-based team is 20 points behind the German car manufacturer - having closed in on its rival since the summer break.

However, with only four races remaining, Perez is under no illusions that there is not much time left to close down the gap. Beating Mercedes would be worth millions of pounds in commercial rights income for Sauber.

"I cannot believe we have only four races left, so the season will now end quite soon," said Perez. "To make up 20 points to finish fifth in the constructors' world championship means we have quite a job to do.

"The race in India should be a bit better for us than in Korea, and our car will be quicker there. I like the fluent sections of the track."

Neither Sauber nor Mercedes scored in Korea last weekend, and team principal Monisha Kaltenborn is not expecting an easy time in India either.

"It is clear we want to score a lot of points, be it in India or at any of the remaining four races," she said.

"Technically the track in Greater Noida should not be a problem for the C31, but it isn't our favourite either. We have to stay focused and maximise our potential there."

Click here to read AUTOSPORT's in-depth interview with Sauber's new team boss Monisha Kaltenborn