Perez: New 2020 Racing Point is best car I've had in my F1 career

Racing Point has ended each of the four days of pre-season testing so far in the top four with its RP20, which has been inspired by Mercedes' title-winning 2019 W10 car.

The early indications are that Racing Point will be at the front of the midfield battle this season and, though it is unclear where the team slots in, Perez did not hide his positivity about the car's performance.

Asked by Autosport if this was the best car he has had in F1, Perez said: "I think yes. This can be the most solid package I've had in my career to start the season.

"I hope in Melbourne that proves to be right, but at the moment the car is working well.

"I think there are good things, good signs, but we have got so much work to do before Melbourne.

"Hopefully we can be as prepared as possible."

While Perez said he still needs to improve his understanding of the car, he added Racing Point is in better shape heading into the season opener than it has been during his time at the team since 2014.

"We have never been this prepared before," he said.

"We always tend to come back in the second half of the season. I think this will be the first time that we are going to start the season strong."

Some data has suggested Racing Point could even challenge Ferrari, but Perez was unsure if his outfit is that quick.

"The top teams are still very strong," he said. "It's very difficult to figure out where everyone is.

"I think by the end of testing, we will have a bit of a bigger picture.

"But right now, the more you try to look into the times, the more you waste your time.

"We have got to wait for the next two days, see where everyone is when they do a bit more long running.

"Then it is a bit easier to figure out."