Bottas expects better racing on selected tracks

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas added his two cents on the big overtaking debate, saying that some tracks will deliver better passing opportunities and better racing.

Melbourne's Albert Park has never been considered an easy venue for overtaking, so Bottas is looking forward to China and its long straight for a very different race compplexion.

The Finn conceded however that overtaking was more difficult with the new-spec cars.

"I think in general it will be a little more difficult, but it’ll depend on tracks," Bottas told Motorsport.com last Sunday.

"The circuits with really long straights will be very good racing because also the slipstreaming has a bigger effect now, and DRS does too with these rear wings.

"So some places we will see good racing and some places like Barcelona it will be very difficult to overtake.

"Let’s wait a few more races and see how the racing goes, but obviously here [in Australia] it was more tricky than last year."

• Lauda: Bottas has already proven himself at Mercedes

Like most of his colleagues, Mercedes' new recruit regrets that this year's regulation overhaul has led to  problematic wheel to wheel racing.

"I think when you’re in the same car and with similar-ish tyres, it’s extremely difficult at a track like this," he said.

"With the new cars, it’s more difficult to follow once you’re within two seconds, as you lose quite a large amount of grip.

"So we need big pace difference to really go for it to try and overtake. I think it’s a bit of a shame."

GALLERY: all the pics from Sunday's Australian GP action

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