Sergio Perez hopeful he is fit for European Grand Prix
By Sarah Holt
BBC Sport in Valencia
Perez crashes out of Monaco qualifying
Sergio Perez is confident he is fit enough to drive for Sauber in the European Grand Prix but will make a final decision after practice.
The Mexican sat out the last race in Canada because he felt unwell in first practice following the effects of a heavy crash at the Monaco race.
"If I feel 100% fine I will be back in the car but if I feel dizzy I will not drive," said Perez.
"It's important tomorrow to make sure that everything is fine."
The 21-year-old, who has impressed in his debut season, said he was "more motivated than ever and looking forward to being back".
Veteran Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren's reserve driver, is on stand-by to replace Perez if necessary, as the 40-year-old did in Montreal.
Perez spent two days in hospital after being concussed in a heavy crash during qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix.
He took part in first practice in Canada two weeks later but then withdrew from the rest of the weekend after complaining he felt dizzy, especially when braking and changing direction.
De la Rosa took over from second practice and finished 12th, while Perez watched the race at home in Mexico.
Perez says he will not face any official fitness test after Friday practice and that he will again make the decision on whether he is well enough to compete.
"It is all up to me as it was in Montreal," the 21-year-old added. "We will not have any check; they will trust on me and if I feel fine I will drive it.
Mixed feelings for de la Rosa
"[The doctors] always thought we were a bit too optimistic to go back after the accident because it was a very big accident and after such an accident I think you need quite a bit of time to recover.
"I have done a lot of regeneration training to get back to a good level because after a few days in hospital you lose quite a lot of power, strength and condition.
"I was in the simulator two days ago and I was doing perfectly fine. Of course, everything changes when you're in the car but I'm quite positive than everything will be OK.
"It was really frustrating to miss the races because of health - and also because they were very good races. I'm more motivated than ever."
Credit: BBC (www.bbc.co.uk)
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