Bottas aware of pressure but relishes the challenge

Valtteri Bottas says he hasn't showed his true potential yet, but believes his level of performance is on a par with his expectations as he continues to settle in at Mercedes.

The Finn says not too much should be interpreted from pre-season testing, despite Niki Lauda claiming he remained at a fair length from team mate Lewis Hamilton over the long runs.

"I think the first time I was in the new car, as expected, you could tell I was getting used to everything," Bottas said.

"The car was behaving quite differently from what I was used to, but every single day I feel like, and I can see, I managed to make good progress in terms of long runs and short runs.

"At the very end of testing I started to feel more and more comfortable.

"So far, from what I have seen, everything seems pretty close, but it is only testing and we were always driving at a different time of day, doing different run plans and programmes, so it is impossible to say.

"We will find out very soon and for me I definitely feel that my rate of improvement is going to be big this year. I feel every single time I am in the car I am getting better and more comfortable."

• Webber and Coulthard unsure of Bottas true potential

While Bottas isn't denying the pressure linked to expectations and the obligation to perform, it isn't a source of worry.

"I don't feel that," he said. "Mercedes doesn't have number and number two driver, so it is up to me to perform.

"As long as I do my job, that it is to perform at the level that the car should be, then we are good. And I know I can do it."

Aware of the challenge which will await him when the lights turn green on Sunday, the 27-year-old has no inhibitions and feels it is simply an break in his career than he hopes to make the most of.

"I think for me it is a great opportunity. For sure it is a big challenge. There is no doubt I will definitely need to prove myself to a lot of people, and the team, that I deserve the place.

"But I see things very positively. I see it as a great opportunity for my career to fight for the win and hopefully even for the championship."

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