Yuki Tsunoda says the Purple Bull feels “a bit extra difficult” 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 concentrate on Tsunoda’s first outing within the RB21 throughout the first apply session of the weekend at Suzuka, and he duly posted a finest lap time simply over 0.1s off teammate Max Verstappen at an identical time in FP1. The afternoon working was hit by 4 purple flags that meant many groups missed out on consultant information, however Tsunoda admits he bought sufficient working to really feel the challenges of his new automobile.
“Yeah, FP1 was higher than anticipated, a very good begin for myself,” Tsunoda stated. “And FP2 I didn’t set a lap time. I believe there’s plenty of work to do, possibly barely struggled or one thing that we now have to look by the info in FP2 extra, however thus far total it’s OK. I simply must construct up confidence extra.
“It’s a bit completely different to the simulator from what I felt, to be sincere. Slightly bit greater than I anticipated by way of the automobile feeling. I knew anyway it was at all times going to be a bit completely different in the actual automobile and it was somewhat bit extra exaggerated in the actual automobile. It’s feeling a bit extra difficult.”
Whereas Tsunoda is a brand new addition to the Purple 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 tough for me, simply making an attempt plenty of various things with the automobile. However it looks as if plenty of issues aren’t actually clicking in the intervening time.
“It’s fairly tough simply to place the lap down. You want plenty of confidence and dedication round right here. And in the intervening 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 a wierd sensation along with his complete automobile flexing throughout FP1, however says that’s an ongoing concern that seems extra distinguished at Suzuka and can take time to know. Of extra rapid concern for the defending champion is getting a learn on how the Purple Bull’s race tempo is trying on Saturday.
“Not a lot [graining] for us. However I used to be on the tender, in order that tire requires plenty of administration anyway. You possibly can’t actually push that tire. After which I solely did like three laps on the finish.
“So not likely a very good learn. I believe tomorrow, doubtlessly in FP3, you will note plenty 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 simple day.”
