Yuki Tsunoda described the Crimson Bull automobile as “very totally different” to what he’s used to, after an encouraging maiden check for the squad on Tuesday at Yas Marina Circuit.
The Japanese was lastly given a correct check in certainly one of Crimson Bull’s automobiles through the post-season Abu Dhabi tyre check.
Whereas lap occasions had been largely irrelevant due to the totally different run programmes that everybody was doing, Tsunoda mentioned that he had by no means been happier than when lapping within the RB20 which completed third within the 2024 constructors’ standings.
“You possibly can bodily really feel why the RB20 has been combating for a championship this 12 months, it seems like a really totally different automobile to drive,” he mentioned.
“We’ve had a really proactive day at present so I’m actually pleased with that. There may be nonetheless quite a lot of studying that I’ve to do, however the staff have accomplished an important job of getting ready such an important run at present. It has been such an satisfying environment within the storage.”
Tsunoda mentioned earlier than the run that he anticipated himself to be properly suited to the automobile’s traits after making an attempt it out within the simulator, and that proved to be the case.
Yuki Tsunoda, Crimson Bull Racing RB20
Picture by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
“I really feel just like the automobile fits my driving model and I have not struggled a lot in any respect to adapt,” he added.
“Even on the lengthy runs I’ve been capable of run constantly at present and was capable of really feel the constraints of the automobile which, if you do not have confidence within the automobile, you’re unable to check.
“I’m pleased greater than ever in the mean time, and ensuring that the staff have the knowledge that they require from every run was an important factor to get out of at present.”
Tsunoda is hoping that some optimistic suggestions from the check can persuade Crimson Bull’s bosses to advertise him to the primary squad subsequent 12 months if it goes forward and chooses to drop Sergio Perez.
The outfit has beforehand been reluctant to take action due to considerations about Tsunoda’s temperament and stage of technical suggestions.
Nevertheless, it was attention-grabbing that head of efficiency Ben Waterhouse mentioned afterwards that he had been impressed with how the 24-year-old operated.
Isack Hadjar, Crimson Bull Racing RB20
Picture by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
“We had Yuki in our automobile for the primary time and Isack [Hadjar] driving RB20 once more following his latest outing in FP1 on the race weekend,” he defined.
“We efficiently accomplished the precedence check objects on each automobiles with each drivers performing to a really excessive stage and delivering precisely what we anticipated from them.
“Yuki offered wonderful suggestions on the assorted checks carried out on the 2025 Pirelli tyres providing priceless perception on the tyre adjustments Pirelli will introduce for subsequent 12 months, whereas Isack did an important job and efficiently accomplished all of the procedural aero checks within the morning earlier than performing each lengthy and brief runs evaluating a spread of check objects within the afternoon.”
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