Red Bull: “One of the most satisfying tests”

Red Bull showed itself at ease with the RB16 during the first week of winter testing in Barcelona (Spain). The RB16 of Max Verstappen et Alexander albon was the second most frequent team on the track after Mercedes, even if his best times are quite far from the reference achieved by Valtteri Bottas.

While Scuderia Ferrari seems to be plagued by doubts, Red Bull showed a positive outlook at the end of these first tests.

“It was a very successful test for the whole team and for me it was one of the most satisfying tests in a while, admits chief engineer Guillaume Rocquelin. We have had no problems and the car has always driven well. There was a small problem on the last morning, but the repair was very simple and Max was able to complete a race simulation. Alex did the same in the afternoon, but the red flags did not allow him to complete the program. Despite these delays, we were able to complete 80 laps. »

With more than 250 laps, Max Verstappen was the Red Bull driver with the most presence on the RB16.

“We were still able to accumulate quite a few laps on the last day, which is very important to understand the new car, confirms the eight-time Grand Prix winner. We didn't look for the time, it wasn't about that. We wanted to analyze every part of the car to verify that everything was working and it proved reliable. The car has been good all week, but we still have a lot to learn. I'm happy with these first tests and I can't complain. »

Red Bull should work more on performance during the second week of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya. Discover review of the first week.

All the information and the complete analysis of these tests, carried out by our special correspondents in Catalonia, can be found in AUTO issue 2256hebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version, and from next Wednesday on newsstands.

In the meantime, remember that our Guide F1 2020 is available in digital version and on newsstands.