Valtteri Bottas kicked off his day's work with Mercedes after lunch, completing 86 laps through a series of long runs, set-up programmes and tyre analysis.

The Finn insisted the team and himself were still in discovery mode as the W08's potential is gradually unveiled.

"We managed to complete more mileage - more than 80 laps in four hours - which is good," Bottas said.

"We're still focusing on the long runs and doing setup changes and learning about the car, so it was a valuable day."

Echoing Lewis Hamilton's comments after the morning session, Bottas admitted the team was not yet satisfied with the car's status.

"We haven't quite got to the point where we want to be yet. There's always work to do with the car and we're evaluating all the upgrades - what's good and what's not good - and seeing in what areas we still need to improve.

"We're not looking at lap times right now, but we can beat the 1:19.705 we set last week if we want to, it's definitely possible."

Asked to cast an opinion of Mercedes' rivals, Bottas was another driver to note the impressive pace of the cars in red.

"I think Ferrari are looking very good - they seem to be consistent and fast. We shouldn't underestimate them or Red Bull.

"We'll need to keep working hard to be in the best shape possible for Melbourne."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Verstappen warns of ‘big shunts’ at daunting new Madrid circuit

Max Verstappen is expecting Formula 1’s latest new race on the calendar to come with…

1 hour ago

Brundle: Russell likely ‘bruised’ by painful Monza defeat

Sky F1's Martin Brundle suspects George Russell has every reason to look back on Monza…

2 hours ago

Scheckter brings it home for Ferrari and himself at Monza

On this day in 1979, Jody Scheckter delivered the world title to himself and to…

4 hours ago

A new Iceman cometh: Robin Raikkonen joins Red Bull Junior Team

The legend of the Iceman officially enters its next generation. Robin Räikkönen, the 11-year-old karting…

5 hours ago

Hamilton sends Ferrari fans clear message: ‘I don’t race dirty’

Lewis Hamilton has moved to extinguish any fears that his opening-lap clash with Charles Leclerc…

6 hours ago

Wolff: Antonelli ‘like an AI agent’ in relentless F1 evolution

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has watched Kimi Antonelli’s rise from promising rookie to Formula 1…

7 hours ago