Formula 1

Mercedes Drivers Impressed With Austin Layout

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Mercedes drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg gave the new Circuit of the Americas a thumbs-up after their first day running on it today. Schumacher, who was tenth fastest on Friday, pointed out that grip-levels offline were poor but is hopeful the layout will deliver some exciting action on Sunday.

“I have to say it is nice being back in the US, and I hope that the fans appreciate Formula One being back too. The circuit will certainly help to showcase how attractive our sport can be. It has a very nice layout, and the good thing is that it is very challenging. Yesterday I went out to explore the track on a scooter, and it was very different from today when the low seating position of our cars compromises your vision a lot. But then, it takes just a bit of time to understand what you have to do and where the biggest challenges are. The track is still very green, especially offline, but it delivers lots of potential for a good show. As for our programme today, we had some tyre issues in the second session with a puncture which affected our plan a little. However, I will just try to do my best tomorrow and in the race on Sunday.”

Teammate Rosberg was a strong seventh behind the Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari drivers and was pleased both by the new circuit, and the way his car handled on it.

“I like the new track here at the Circuit of the Americas very much and they have done a great job with the layout. We’ve also had a really nice welcome for Formula One in the US as you can see how many fans are at the circuit already on a Friday. The grandstands looked really packed. We had a good start to our programme today, and the car felt better than at the last race. The conditions were tricky, particularly this morning, as it was very cold which meant that the tyres were really on the edge.”

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