Williams' Felipe Massa said that team mate Lance Stroll's comprehensive test program over the past year has been a huge benefit for the rookie.
Stroll's contract with Williams called for an extensive private program, running a 2017-spec Williams at multiple venues with the purpose of accumulating mileage and learning the tracks as he prepared for his entry this year into the big time.
Massa himself also had the opportunity to drive this year, joining Stroll's Williams test team in Bahrain to establish a point of reference for the 18-year-old Canadian.
"I went to Bahrain, drove one day for him to create references for him and the team," Massa said.
"He is very fortunate to be able to test before these (official) tests, which is very difficult these days in F1, and especially important because this year the difference between Formula 3 and F1 is very great.
"I met him when he was 8, and I know quite a lot about his father too. Knowing that boy is my teammate today is very pleasant for me."
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