Bahrain test: Ricciardo and Tsunoda gloat with the mini Red Bull

Another top-5

Another positive day at home Racing Bulls, which in the last session of pre-season testing once again finished with one of its drivers in the top-5. In this case, with the 5th place finishthe Faenza company has collected important data thanks to the performance of Yuki Tsunodaeven if the Japanese did not seem entirely satisfied with the final round of the pre-season tests, despite acknowledging progress:

“The tests went quite well – commented – we didn't follow our schedule exactly of testing because there were some problems with the track, but we reacted well. It seemed to me that the car has made a good step forward compared to last year, so I'm satisfied. The balance has improved and the front especially seemed strong to me. We still need to improve the rear, but it is moving in the right direction. I completed a lot of laps in the last two days and it was a good experience which allowed us to collect good data and find the limit of the car. Looking at the timesheet, we're not last, but it's hard to know where we are compared to the rest of the field, so I can't wait to start racing again next week.”

Few thoughts for Ricciardo

He can file tests with his usual smile too Daniel Ricciardolast in the Friday standings but with a general comment that has points in common with that of his teammate: “I think the tests were good and that the car has been significantly improved compared to last year – he confirmed – I've done a lot of laps and I feel quite fit.”

A final day of testing, however, was not free from unexpected events for the Australian, especially for his turn on the track: “Unfortunately there were some problems on the track with the manhole and we feared we wouldn't be able to race, but luckily it didn't go that way. – he added – I did some short laps on the first and second day and a race simulation this morning. In terms of performance, I think we are where we expected to be. We aim to fight in the mid-table group and we will try to make the most of what we have. Overall, it was a trouble-free test, then I don't think we'll leave here with any worries. We have gained something and we know where we are, but if we want to be sure to fight for Q3 and for points consistently, we definitely need to find something more.”