Kamui Kobayashi admits he is concerned about his prospects for qualifying in Texas if the problems builiding tyre temperature continue tomorrow. The Japanese driver was ninth quickest today despite an exhaust problem in FP2 but the time it took to warm up the Pirelli option tyres was a worry for him.
“The high speed corners of the new circuit are very enjoyable, I really like driving here. The first session was about getting familiar with the track and waiting for the tarmac to improve for a better grip level. In the beginning of the second session I did a 20-lap long run on hard tyres before we then had a break due to a broken exhaust. But the mechanics fixed the car quickly and I was able to go out on medium compound tyres as well. I must say I have big warm up problems with both compounds. It just doesn’t work in qualifying if you need ten laps to get the tyres to work. We will now go and look for solutions.”
Sauber teammate Sergio Perez was fourteenth quickest wasn’t totally happy with his car either but was impressed with the Circuit of the Americas after sampling it for the first time.
“We had a good day in terms of getting all the programme done without any issues. The track is amazing, and I especially like the first sector a lot. I really believe we will see a great race here and I can’t wait to race in front of so many Mexicans. Nevertheless I am not happy with the balance of my car yet, but I’m confident we will manage to improve it.”
