F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vandoorne: 'A useful exercise and a step forward'

McLaren's Stoffel Vandoorne completed his full test programme with Pirelli on Tuesday without any drama, the Belgian clocking in at the end of the day just shy of 100 laps.

Vandoorne picked up where Lando Norris had left off the day before in the Woking-based outfit's second MCL33, putting Pirelli's 2019 rubber through its paces.

The McLaren was forced to run all day with the same set-up, to validate comparison tests between the tyres, but it was still an effective session for Vandoorne.

"It was a good day and we covered a lot of laps in a relatively short period," said the 26-year-old.

"We were testing for Pirelli to help them develop the tyres, but also for me it was good to be back in the car and deal with different changes without adjusting the set-up, and that was definitely a useful exercise.

Vandoorne assumed the team's workload on Tuesday in the team's updated MCL33, but reverted to the older-spec car for the Pirelli test, which offered the opportunity for a direct compare.

"Today’s running was also valuable as I was able to get a little bit of a feel for the comparison between the two packages, as today I reverted back to the older spec," he said.

"It meant I could see like-for-like what the improvements are in the new package and how they affect the car performance.

"The upgrades have behaved as they should, and I definitely feel that we made a step forward here this weekend."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

7 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

9 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

10 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

12 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

13 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

14 hours ago