Valtteri Bottas: “Everything is going in the right direction”

Recruited by Mercedes AMG F1 to replace world champion Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas was undoubtedly one of the most watched drivers during the week in Barcelona, ​​for the first session of the 2017 winter tests.

The former resident of Williams Martini Racing showed its advantage both in terms of kilometers traveled (1508) and time with the honorary best time established in 1'19"705.

But the most important thing for the Finn was clearly to gain experience behind the wheel of the new Flèche d’Argent. “Lap times don't have any particular meaning because they're still testing and there's no reward for that, Bottas explains.

We weren't particularly focused on lap times this week. The priority has been to accumulate mileage and find problems with the car. For me it was important to ride, so I was happy to be able to accomplish that and at the same time be able to lead the team's testing program. So, I think overall it was a good week. »

Bottas also believes he has adapted well to driving the new 2017 single-seaters. « Everything is going in the right direction. I feel more and more integrated into the team and I feel more and more comfortable with this new car. I have to say that it is quite different in terms of behavior compared to the old car.

Of course, with the rule changes, but in general with the feeling with the car, the behavior... there are things that you have to get used to and I'm improving every day. With the changes implemented, how the team works, all the tools to manage behind the wheel and how they affect the balance of the car on track, I am more comfortable with each lap. »

Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes received a visit from Nico Rosberg during the week, the reigning world champion admitting that the drivers would have to behave like real “gladiators” to take the 2017 single-seaters.