Valtteri Bottas: “We can definitely fight for the top 10” in qualifying

This Friday, Valtteri Bottas recorded the sixth best time in the second wave of free practice with a time of 1:32.951. This was after the Alfa Romeo C42 experienced an electrical issue during FP1, which sidelined the car for the rest of the session.

Despite Alfa Romeo’s lack of knowledge regarding the engines of their competitors, Bottas remains satisfied with the performance of the C42 during the tests that could enable him to reach Q3.

« I would like to know where we are exactly, but the truth is that I have no idea. » He admits. « It’s very close and you don’t know how high the level of the teams is. When we look at the collected GPS data, we will understand the locations. But for me, the positive thing is that we don’t seem to be very far behind. And I sincerely believe that if we can find improvements, we can fight for the top 10. » The Finn declares.

As for the electrical troubles encountered by the race car, Bottas explains that the team changed quite a few things which saved the rest of the free practice sessions.

« We lacked overall running,” says the Alfa Romeo driver. « I hope these are the last problems we’ll encounter. Time will tell. But for now, when the car is functioning normally and especially with a full tank of fuel, I think it is very well-balanced and enjoyable to drive. The potential is there, and I don’t think our lap times are that bad. Even if you measure the possible evolution of a person, I think if we improve a little, we aim to fight for the top 10. It would be nice to stay in my line,” concludes Lewis Hamilton’s former teammate.

Because let’s remember, Valtteri Bottas has reached Q3 101 consecutive times, and one more would allow him to break his record.