Sauber duo disappointed with Chinese Grand Prix result after qualifying promise

Kobayashi started the race from third of the grid after a stellar qualifying performance, while Perez led briefly for the second grand prix in succession.

Both drivers ran into tyre problems during the 56-lap event however, with only Kobayashi - who made a poor start - making the points positions in tenth.

"Of course after what we did in qualifying the race result is disappointing," said the Japanese. "I'm not really sure what happened at the start, my car just didn't move, it was a bit strange and I lost positions immediately.

"Then I was stuck in traffic for most of the time, also we made the second pit stop a bit late and the tyres had gone. Quite often we have recovered in the race from a bad qualifying, but today it was the other way round."

Perez looked set to produce another podium-threatening performance during his first stint, and even led the race as he went long on his first set of tyres. But once the Mexican switched to medium tyres, he couldn't maintain his pace and faded out of the points.

"I must say I am very disappointed," said Perez. "I had a very good start, and for the entire first stint it really looked to be going very well for me. But then when I picked up the medium compound tyres I lost a lot of performance from lap 17 onwards.

"Actually I feel I would have been better off with a three stop strategy, but you never know. The pit stops as such were good, but at both I lost time at the launch because we had a problem with the clutch. However, this is racing and we will do better next time."