Nick de Vries: I had a lot of time to prepare

AlphaTauri drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Nick de Vries summarized the results of the tests and shared their expectations for the first leg of the season in Bahrain.

Yuki Tsunoda: “The tests in Bahrain went without a hitch and allowed us to collect a lot of information about the car. We’ve identified some of the car’s limitations, pluses and minuses – all of which will prove useful over the first weekend of racing.

Compared to last year’s car, there are areas where we definitely added something, but there are also areas where we need to work on. In general, the tests went well – we covered the longest distance of any team, evaluated the speed in long and short runs and the reliability seems high. Reliability was an issue at the start of last season, so it’s nice that we’ve added this feature – now it’s important to keep the momentum going.

Last year’s car lacked downforce, especially in high-speed corners – the car slid, so we couldn’t save the tyres. I noticed a big step forward in this area.

Tire specs have also changed from last year – I noticed they behave differently, especially in the long run, so you have to adjust to that. Tire wear seems to be quite high, but during testing I mostly worked in high temperatures during the day, while the main sessions of the weekend will be cooler.

Based on the results of the tests, I can say that I am satisfied with the power plant – it is better than last year. Everyone on the team works well together and moves in the same direction.

Now I look forward to getting back into racing. This season my goal is to be consistent during the weekend sessions and to perform better on Sunday. Compared to last year there have been a few changes – I have a new coach and some new engineers. I feel ready and able to pick up where I left off at the end of last season. As usual, I will give 100%.”

Nick deVries: “I am definitely ready for the first game of the season. In October last year I found out that I was going to start, so there was a lot of time to prepare. Not only have I waited for this moment for the past five, six, seven months, but most of my life. I’m ready as can be!

The tests went well. We did a lot of laps and completed our program, learned a lot about the car and tested a lot of different things. By the coming weekend we had to analyze a large amount of information. It’s difficult to judge the joining forces as the mid range is very tight, but we hope we can compete in that. I think two-tenths of a lap can make a big difference in track position. Probably the balance of power will change from weekend to weekend – it will be difficult for everyone, but we are ready to give our best.

Having only tested last year’s car once, I can say with confidence that the new AT04 is its evolutionary development. All teams tried to optimize their technique, including us. Since regulations have not changed worldwide, the difference between the machines is not that great.

I had to adjust to working with a new manufacturer’s power plant for me. It took a small change of approach, but not a drastic one, so everything went pretty smoothly.

How will I feel at the start of the first race of the first full season? You know, when you know the car and the engine is running, you’re calm, you’re alone with the car and you wait for the start light. I don’t think Formula 1 is different from other series in this respect. There are quite a few differences in the atmosphere on the track during the race weekend. In general, I have already made many starts in my career and I am ready for the next one.”