Vodafone McLaren Mercedes test driver Pedro de la Rosa finished day one of the Barcelona test topping the time sheets. He was talking to the media present in Spain after the test.
How does it feel to end the day fastest?
“I often say that the times in testing are not that important. However in Barcelona it’s slightly different because if you can be fast at this track there is a likelihood that you will be quick on the other tracks as well. As a result this is a great circuit for testing and for that reason it’s good to be fast here. However as always it’s difficult to predict where you are compared to the competition as we are all running different programmes. All I can say is that we are comfortable with our testing today and where we are with the different fuel loads.”
What do you think of the new chicane?
“I must say that I like it. From a drivers’ point of view the old, fast curves, were very difficult, but what I like about the new chicane is that it allows you to accelerate and then have the possibility of overtaking during braking coming into turn 1. In fact I have been right behind another car on some occasions and have been able to get really close without any problems. From a drivers point of view you want to be fast all the time but you also have to think about the spectators.”
Have you had any reliability problems?
“Of course we have had some minor issues but that is normal and part of why we go testing before the start of the season. We are here to learn and develop the car. It would not be normal for a brand new car to have no reliability problems.”
What do you like about the MP4-22?
“The important thing is that the car goes well and that it can still get better which is great to know when there are still a few weeks before the first race. We have a number of updates coming from the McLaren Technology Centre designed to further improve the car and we have two more tests in Bahrain to make sure we are in the best position for the Australian Grand Prix and the rest of the season.”
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