Liam Lawson: I’m going to have a tough weekend

In Qatar, Liam Lawson will again drive the car of Daniel Ricciardo, who is still recovering from an injury…

Liam Lawson: “Everything went well in Japan. It was a busy week, I have never had to participate in so many activities, but it was fun.

For the first time since Zandvoort I had a good start in the race. I understood what was missing and tried to put it all together. Formula 1 is very different from what I am used to in the Super Formula series, but I learned from it and it worked. I will continue to act the same way.

The stage in Qatar is just around the corner. I don’t know yet how we will perform there and whether our new products will work. In Japan we had problems on the high-speed sections, so I’m not sure Qatar will suit our car.

We are only just getting acquainted with new products; in Qatar we have the time to continue working and try to get more out of it. It is true that we have a stage with a sprint on Saturday, which will complicate the situation for me. I have not raced in Qatar before and I understand that a difficult weekend awaits me.

At the end of last week I drove around the circuit in Qatar in a simulator. This is a unique high-speed track, which is difficult to find analogue – there is only one slow corner. Everything else happens in fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh gears, so it’s going to be fun.

As we only have one session we have to try to get the best out of the car quickly in a situation where the night sessions take place in cooler weather.

It has been announced in Japan that I will resume the role of reserve pilot next year. My goal is to compete permanently in Formula 1, now I have to make sure I can achieve this. Now I still have the opportunity to demonstrate my potential and then I will fully concentrate on preparing for the final phase of the Super Formula, which will be held in Suzuka after the Mexican Grand Prix.”

Yuki Tsunoda: “I am happy that it has been confirmed in Japan that I will stay in the team next year. Now I can fully concentrate on the end of the season.

The I Japan Week was a fantastic event, especially the support from the fans during qualifying and the race. I saw the flags in the stands, it gave me strength. After the race I was in Japan for a few days for work, but I was also able to spend time with my family.

Back in Europe I spent a day in the simulator and left for Qatar. The last time we competed here was in 2021, I enjoyed racing at this track, I came eighth in qualifying.

The asphalt is very slippery and aerodynamic efficiency is especially important in high-speed corners. The race will be physically challenging for the drivers and tire wear will be an important factor. A compromise must be found between speed and downforce so that the car does not slide around corners and damage the tires.

Overtaking is possible on this track so it’s important to get an idea of ​​long-distance pace, but we only have one practice session this weekend.

By refining the machine we were able to make some progress. The new products work, in the last phase I had great confidence in the car, but it will take a few more races before I can finally assess their effectiveness. If we perform well in Qatar, it will confirm our conclusions.”