Perez sure to get stronger from now on after points finish in Britain

The Mexican was forced to miss two races because of his heavy accident in Monte Carlo and he admitted he had lost some momentum following an impressive start to the season.

On Sunday, however, the Sauber rookie put on a strong performance to finish in seventh place, and he is confident he is now back in full form.

"I think it was a good race and a very good result for the team," said Perez. "In the beginning the conditions were quite difficult, but we managed to stay out of trouble. The strategy was good and my pitstops were perfect.

"Unfortunately I couldn't overtake Nico (Rosberg). I was very close but he was too fast on the straights. Overall I am happy and now the difficult times are behind me.

"After the accident it took me time to get back into the rhythm of the season, and find the momentum I had before it. In two weeks' time I shall be even stronger."

Sauber team-mate Kamui Kobayashi was forced to retire from the race due to an oil leak, but not before a crash with Michael Schumacher and a penalty for an unsafe pitstop release.

"It is a real shame because our overall performance was good this weekend," he said. "In today's race I was very unlucky. I think there is not a lot for me to say about the accident with Michael (Schumacher). We were not side by side, and he obviously hit the rear of my car. From then on I had to drive with a damaged car.

"Then I had bad luck with the pitstop, was given the stop and go penalty, and finally had to stop because I was told on the radio there was an oil leak and I should pull off the track."