Magnussen: The feeling in the wake of a car is much better

The new aerodynamics are embodied this season by the introduction of simplified front fins and brake scoops, as well as enlarged rear wings for increased DRS effect. These modifications are supposed to facilitate reconciliations and therefore ultimately boost the action on the track. 

While the drivers felt last week that it was still too early to comment on the effectiveness of the 2019 changes, Kevin Magnussen is the first to note a clear improvement in driving conditions in the wake of a competitor. 

« The cars are still fun to drive, commented the pilot Haas this Tuesday. Today I found myself behind another car and the feeling was much better than last year. Many people, including in the team after carrying out simulations in the wind tunnel, thought that the new technical regulations would not change anything. But I must tell you that the difference is significant. Concretely, I could follow the car in front. 

Ok, maybe I was just a lot faster than the guy in question and actually passed him. I was something like two seconds faster. In this case, I would also have doubled it with the 2018 aero but the sensations behind the wheel were really not the same. It was much better ». 

Magnussen was also delighted to be able to string together the laps at the opening of the second collective test, his team having encountered a lots of little glitches, notably electronic, during the first runs last week. 

« It's good to see that reliability is there, added the Dane. We still have to string together the laps to build confidence but the outcome of the day is positive since we were able to complete our program without any problems. The guys worked hard all weekend to resolve the issues they encountered last week and it appears to have succeeded. ». 

Like all his little comrades, Magnussen did not want to dwell on the level of performance of the Haas VF-19 but it was difficult not to note the broad smile that crossed the Dane's face on Tuesday evening. Romain Grosjean will take over from his Scandinavian teammate on Wednesday in Barcelona.