You haven’t been able to top test timings in the McLaren like you did with Brawn last season…
Last year there were no refuelling regulations. (This season teams are not allowed to refuel cars during the pit stops). This season you really don’t know who is quick. You have to put your head down and do your best. During testing we haven’t managed to do that and the tests have been hampered by bad weather.
There are two British champs in McLaren — you and Lewis Hamilton. What do you make out of it?
I’ve a very competitive teammate in Lewis (Hamilton). He achieved what I did last season a year before me. We’ve lot of things in common. We’ve had some difficult times and some good times. We’ve got lot of experience as well and that’s important when you are fighting the likes of Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes.
What are your views ahead of the first race in Bahrain?
I’m excited about the first race in Bahrain because winter testing has been hampered by bad weather. Nobody knows who’s going to be special in Bahrain. It’s looking exciting.
Do you still maintain that Ferrari will be the strongest team at the start of the season?
Teams have been consistent going in to the first race. The teams that are worth mentioning here are the top-four — Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes. You can’t count out Williams and Sauber either.
What does the ban on refuelling mean to drivers?
It will be interesting to see what happens through the race when the weight of the car falls down from 150-160 kg to low-fuel loads. It will come down to managing the tyres and fuel load. There is lot more to think about than the last season.
Do you think your smooth driving style will help you conserve tyres better than others?
I have an advantage. But we all are experienced and are good at adapting. I’m not the only smooth driver. I’ll try my best to look after my tyres but by the looks of it other people are doing a good job of it as well.
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