Pascal Wehrlein continued building his and Manor Racing's momentum on Tuesday as the German driver worked through his assigned program, gradually improving the team's elegant MRT05.
The team was spared any particular dramas which enabled it to enjoy a complete day of running from which the Manor emerged a full five seconds faster than its 2015 qualifying time at Barcelona, a feat which left Wehrlein pleased and optimistic.
"I think we improved the car quite a lot from Monday to Tuesday," Wehrlein said. "For sure we can still improve the car and we need to work on it, but for my first two days I am impressed and really happy."
Wehrlein was particularly satisfied with how his mount's balance improved over the course of the two days.
"The balance on Monday wasn’t great to start with, which is normal with a new car and new engine and everything was new.
"We improved so much I felt much better in the car, but that’s normal with a new car, you have to adapt and adapt to set-up. Manor has made a big step, the last car they have driven was the 2014 car so it’s a big change for everyone.
Mercedes protégé appeared to perfectly blend in with the minnows outfit, where everyone was hard at work, focused on the job at hand.
" It’s very quiet in the garage, everyone is very focused and concentrated and knows what they have to do. Already after two days we are working very well as a team together.
Wehrlein took note of the fact that the MRT05's outright speed at Barcelona well exceeded the performance of Manor's 2015 contender, but also underlined the many changes which have occurred since last season.
"Last year they had an old car, an old chassis, and they didn’t develop much. The balance of the car has improved and the Mercedes engine is definitely better than the 2014 engine they had last year.
"Many things have changed, we have many new people in the team. And I hope that also I’m a reason why it’s getting quicker."
"I hope we have not shown our full potential, there is definitely more to come - but you never know."
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