Sergio Perez says he is fitter than ever as he gears up for his first season as a McLaren driver.
After two years with Sauber, Perez will make his McLaren debut next week when he climbs into the cockpit of the MP4-28 for winter testing at Jerez.
Asked by the official F1 website if he was 'ready - and fitter', Perez said: "Ha, look at me, isn't that visible?
"And regarding the 'ready' factor, I have been in the simulator and working my way through every department to get to know all the steps and procedures.
"Martin (Whitmarsh) was right when he predicted that I would not see much of Mexico in the winter!"
However, it's just not on the physical side that Perez says he is ready for.
"Pressure will definitely raise a notch or two. Here I will be given a car that can win, so winning is what I am supposed to do.
"To be frank, if you are not able to deal with pressure in Formula One, then this is the wrong place for you. Go and look for something else."
He added: "I have good news for everybody: McLaren is a team that knows how to handle young drivers.
"Just think about my predecessor in the cockpit - Lewis Hamilton. He joined the team with no F1 experience at all and the team helped him to blossom into a winner and a champion. All I want is to get the same treatment."
