Valtteri Bottas revealed his delight at his P5 qualifying performance at the Miami Grand Prix on Saturday, and said that he is aiming for at least a top-five finish in the race itself later on today.

The Alfa Romeo driver is having a top year so far with him recording several points finishes and in contention for the 'best of the rest' tag behind the Ferrari and Red Bull cars at this early stage of the season.

Certainly, he looks very happy and content in his new overalls since making the switch from Mercedes and, when a driver feels like that, results usually follow.

The latest positive chapter in Bottas' 2022 story was written on Saturday in Miami, then, with the Finn recording a P5, behind the two Prancing Horses and Bulls, and he says he is hoping that the race is going to see him finish inside the top 5 at the very least:

“I am really pleased about today’s performance. It was a great recovery from yesterday, when we didn’t have an easy day. A big thanks to the whole team, they delivered when called to the task of rebuilding the car.

"Today we had a big job to do: we had a good FP3, we had a clear direction for our set-up and the car was really quick. It was down to me, then, to find a good rhythm and by Q3 I had definitely found it. I really enjoyed the last lap of Q3!

"Coming into the weekend, we saw some signs of what we could do so I am not surprised we’re up here, but of course I am pleased all things turned out well – it’s just a shame Zhou didn’t make it during Q1, when I nearly dropped out as well. Now we’re in our best-prospected scenario, behind the Ferrari and Red Bulls: we know that, realistically, fighting them will be difficult, but this is racing so you never know what is going to happen.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 07: Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Alfa Romeo F1 C42 Ferrari on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Autodrome on May 07, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

"We just need to focus on our race and, if there are opportunities, take them. Tomorrow will be a challenge, it will be hot for the car, the tyres and the driver – a hot and sweaty race. We have a good race car so we can fight to be in front of the midfield: a top five finish has to be our minimum target.”

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