Hamilton is delighted with the progress made by McLaren
Lewis Hamilton completed his program for this second week of testing at the Barcelona circuit. The Englishman has a positive assessment of his two days spent at the wheel of the MP4-27 and is already eager to get back in the cockpit next week before flying to Melbourne.
A cheerful Lewis Hamilton appeared before journalists yesterday in Barcelona, at the end of the second day of testing. What pleases the English driver is that his McLaren seems to be behaving better than in Jerez, even though the team has not brought any new parts to the MP4/27, proof that the understanding of the car is improving.
« Today, we did race simulations; yesterday we just did long stints. I think today we have almost the same mileage as last year over the entire testing, so it’s a big plus for us. Two days with almost 100 laps, it’s fantastic.
The outcome is therefore definitely more positive than after Jérez, where Hamilton had not shown great enthusiasm regarding his new car.
« The tests are extremely positive. The car is performing better. We didn’t bring in new parts, but the understanding of the car, the tires, etc. I believe we had two very productive days and that Jenson will continue to improve the car tomorrow and Friday. »
In the afternoon, Lewis Hamilton was regularly on the track at the same time as Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull. Adrian Newey’s latest creation seemed to be faster than the MP4-27, but the Englishman insists on putting this impression into perspective.
« I was always on used tires and I believe he had new ones from his second stint, but generally, he seemed very competitive, maybe a bit faster than us. But I just focused on my own work and again, we don’t know the fuel quantities, so it’s too early to deduce anything. However, when he was behind me, his car seemed very nimble, » explains Hamilton, thus responding to the comments made the day before by the double world champion who expressed being impressed by the McLaren.
Hamilton will hand over the wheel to his teammate for the next two days and will be back in the McLaren cockpit next week for the final tests before Melbourne. A moment particularly appreciated by the Englishman.
« I love the final tests. It’s often the time when the car is at its best and you can get an idea of where the car will be for the first race. It’s always exciting because you know that the next time you’ll be in the car it will be for the first Grand Prix in Australia and it’s a great feeling. I can’t believe we’re already so close. Before the 2007 season, I did 22 days of testing and today we only have 6, it’s very different. »
The McLaren of this season stands out from the other cars on the grid with a more conventional nose. Many people have been concerned about this choice, but it seems it does not have a major impact on the behavior of the MP4-27.
« No, it doesn’t really matter. We have the support. The question is always to find a balance between support at the front, rear, middle, entry of the corner, in the corner, and exit. The car behaves very well in fast corners, which is a surprise. I think the base of our car is better than last year, » explained Hamilton to the journalists present in the Barcelona paddock.
Optimism is therefore high on the Hamilton side: « We are definitely in a much better position and we are confident that we can fight with the guys at the front. »
And when it’s pointed out to him that today it’s Ferrari that seems to be in a delicate situation, just like McLaren was last year, he simply replies « Really?, » with a slight smile.
From our correspondent in Barcelona.
