P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas completed 68 trouble-free laps on the opening morning of pre-season testing in Bahrain
Valtteri Bottas stated that he is “definitely in a better place” after a smooth start to F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, completing 68 laps at the Bahrain International Circuit in the Stake F1 Team’s C44. He expressed relief at avoiding issues compared to previous seasons with C42 and C43 due to new aerodynamic regulations in 2022. Bottas shared that the new car feels better and more stable, particularly in high-speed load and drag, resolving previous weaknesses. Looking ahead, Bottas mentioned plans for fine-tuning and performance improvement throughout the test ahead of the season-opening race. He highlighted the importance of optimizing ride height and balance for enhanced performance. Bottas emphasized the progress made with the new car but acknowledged the need for further development on setup options and balance for a strong base to work from.
