KUALA LUMPUR: GP2 rookie Nabil Jeffri is maintaining a positive outlook despite being dealt a three-place grid penalty for colliding with Frenchman Norman Nato at Hockenheim recently.
The Arden International driver said he felt hard done by the decision but is adamant on bouncing back with a top 10 finish when the series resumes at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (Aug 26-28).
Despite starting from 18th, he did well to finish 11th in the first race at Hockenheim at the end of last month, which was the last round before the summer break.
He was, however, forced to retire after clashing with Nato (Racing Engineering) in the seventh lap of the second race.
Nabil, who was in 11th position at the time, was blamed for not giving Nato enough space. The penalty will take effect at the Spa circuit.
"I do not believe it was my fault and the penalty sure isn't fair for me," said the 22-year-old.
“But it is what it is and I have to be positive and approach the next race with a higher confidence level.
"I need to believe in myself more and that I can actually challenge the top ten guys, guys who have already been in the championship for the past two or three years.
"I feel that a top-10 finish is achievable and will be my goal for the next few races."
Nabil is currently in 21st position in the overall standings with two points, which he secured after finishing seventh in the second race at third round in Baku, Azerbaijan (June).