Nicholas Latifi enjoyed his experience of driving a 2017 Formula 1 car at the Hungaroring on Tuesday despite his day being affected by an engine change.
The Renault Sport Formula 1 Team development driver finished seventh fastest after being restricted to just 54-laps of the Hungarian circuit, with the Canadian setting a best time of 1:20.302s, but the engine change prevented him from doing some low fuel runs on the Ultrasoft Pirelli tyre, which would have seen him go even faster.
But the FIA Formula 2 Championship race winner, who claimed his maiden triumph at Silverstone in July, was positive about his day, even if the temperatures in Hungary were extremely hot.
“It’s such a cool experience driving a 2017 Formula 1 car, even when the temperatures are as hot as they were today,” said Latifi. “After I did the Pirelli test in Barcelona I was really looking forward to getting out again.
“The car felt great and I hope I gave the team all the feedback required. The guys did a great job in the garage with the engine change so I could get back out at the end of the day.
“Obviously, it was a shame to miss out on some of the planned mileage, especially some low fuel runs on the Ultrasoft tyres, but overall it’s been a positive day.”
Latifi will hand the car over to Robert Kubica on Wednesday for the much anticipated return to the sport of the popular Polish driver.
