Verstappen's race simulation ‘very promising’

Max Verstappen says his race simulation in the updated Toro Rosso was “very promising” on Friday.

Toro Rosso introduced an upgrade package which resulted in the car being “a radical difference” from the launch specification STR10. With team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr noticing the step forward in performance on Thursday, Verstappen agreed with his team-mate following an encouraging race run on day two of the final test.

“The race simulation went very well and it looks promising, so I think we made some good steps,” Verstappen said. “I think in general getting more experience with the new package and finding ways to improve is the main thing for us.

“We had more downforce. I think we made a really good step and we just need more experience with the car. We completed all the checks with the car and then in the afternoon we did a race simulation and that was very promising, so we are very pleased with that. [The update is] better to be consistent and better to understand the tyres, so it makes it a lot easier.”

Following a busy day in the car, Verstappen said he is ready to go racing already, with Melbourne set to be his grand prix debut.

“I like someone in front because when you do a race simulation and there is nothing around you [it can be boring] but if you have somebody around you who is doing the same strategy you can see what they are doing, any different lines they are taking and how their car is behaving differently. I like that. I noticed little things but at the moment just focusing on my car.

“I want to race now, testing gets a little bit boring.”

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Driver line-ups for the final test

Click here for the gallery from day two of the final test