Nikita Mazepin has completed his first pre-season test, on the final day ran a variety of programs which included initially shorter, faster laps on the C3 and C4 tyres before doing some longer runs under high fuel later on in the day finishing the final day of testing with a fastest lap of 1:31.531.
Mazepin enjoyed the conditions on the final day of testing, especially in comparison to the last time he drove in the second session of the day on Friday when sandstorms wreaked havoc, however the Russian driver feels that this was good experience, in order to learn how the car behaves in conditions with less grip.
“The conditions were very nice out there today, certainly in comparison to Friday’s afternoon session – when the conditions weren’t good for getting the performance out of the car. That said, for a rookie, it was a great learning experience to see how the car behaves with less grip.”
On the final day of testing, Mazepin focused on low fuel runs for the first part of the afternoon, then moving on to runs with high fuel. The Russian driver and the team managed to get in some much needed pit stops so that he and the team can improve their understanding of each other, which will be crucial for quick pit-stops in the 2021 season.
“Today we focused in on low fuel runs for the first part of the afternoon and then we moved on to high fuel. We then finished off with some very productive pit stops.”
Mazepin has enjoyed his first experience in the VF-21, acknowledging that it has been a steep learning curve. After starting off in conditions with very low grip, the Russian driver had the opportunity to lower his lap times by driving at a time when the track had evolved and condition were more favorable.
“Testing’s been fun – and a very good learning curve. We started with very difficult conditions on day one, then we’ve progressed towards a more grippy track which means more opportunities to attract a lap time. The year is going to be long, but I think we’ve got the most out of these three days and the team’s done a great job.”
Fans don’t have long to wait before Nikita Mazepin is back out on track, with the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix commencing at the end of the month.
