Yuki Tsunoda says the Pink Bull feels “a bit extra tough” to drive in actuality in comparison with the simulator, regardless of making an encouraging begin in FP1 on the Japanese Grand Prix.
There was loads of deal with Tsunoda’s first outing within the RB21 in the course of the first follow session of the weekend at Suzuka, and he duly posted a greatest lap time simply over 0.1s off teammate Max Verstappen at an identical time in FP1. The afternoon operating was hit by 4 purple flags that meant many groups missed out on consultant information, however Tsunoda admits he obtained sufficient operating to really feel the challenges of his new automobile.
“Yeah, FP1 was higher than anticipated, an excellent begin for myself,” Tsunoda stated. “And FP2 I didn’t set a lap time. I feel there may be loads of work to do, perhaps barely struggled or one thing that we now have to look by means of the info in FP2 extra, however to date total it’s OK. I simply must construct up confidence extra.
“It’s a bit totally different to the simulator from what I felt, to be trustworthy. A bit bit greater than I anticipated when it comes to the automobile feeling. I knew anyway it was at all times going to be a bit totally different in the true automobile and it was slightly bit extra exaggerated in the true automobile. It’s feeling a bit extra tough.”
Whereas Tsunoda is a brand new addition to the Pink Bull lineup, Verstappen has been calling for automobile enhancements for a while, and says the insecurity he has within the automobile is hurting his tempo.
“It was fairly chaotic on the market for everybody with the purple flags,” Verstappen stated. “So we, like everybody else, couldn’t full all of the issues that we needed to do. However at present has been fairly troublesome for me, simply making an attempt loads of various things with the automobile. But it surely looks like loads of issues should not actually clicking in the mean time.
“It’s fairly troublesome simply to place the lap down. You want loads of confidence and dedication round right here. And in the mean time, I don’t really feel like I can use that. So we nonetheless have a bit of labor to do.”
Verstappen additionally complained of an odd sensation together with his complete automobile flexing throughout FP1, however says that’s an ongoing difficulty that seems extra outstanding at Suzuka and can take time to know. Of extra instant concern for the defending champion is getting a learn on how the Pink Bull’s race tempo is trying on Saturday.
“Not a lot [graining] for us. However I used to be on the gentle, in order that tire requires loads of administration anyway. You may’t actually push that tire. After which I solely did like three laps on the finish.
“So not likely an excellent learn. I feel tomorrow, doubtlessly in FP3, you will note loads of groups making an attempt to do a bit extra of a longish run with the time that you’ve. However yeah, it’s not been a straightforward day.”
