Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
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.”
Click here for live coverage of day three of the final test
Driver line-ups for the final test
Click here for the gallery from day two of the final test
It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…
Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…
Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…
Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…
Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…
Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time in Las…