The Indian team failed to test its new car in the first two pre-season tests.
Both Hulkenberg, who clocked a fastest lap of 1:29.208s and Perez who recored best lap of 1:29.209s, faded in Q2.
"We always want to be further up the grid, but being realistic I don't think we had the performance today to challenge for Q3," Hulkenberg admitted.
Perez said it was a difficult qualifying session and the windy conditions seemed to have caused a big impact on the car.
"In terms of performance, I think we are where we predicted because we knew Q2 was achievable and we managed to get the maximum from the car. For tomorrow, we know this is a race where anything can happen, it's unpredictable and sometimes you have to be patient. We need to see what the weather is like because the wind and track temperature will play a big part," the Mexican said.
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