Max Verstappen spent the entire day within the automobile, which is considerably totally different from its title-winning predecessor, setting a greatest lap that was 1.1 seconds away from the McLaren of Lando Norris.
Marko says that Pink Bull’s new idea is working and that the automobile responded nicely to modifications.
“Very, very, very spectacular,” stated the Austrian. “We ran 142 laps, with none issues, roughly. And the idea is working. In order that was the primary principal factor. The automobile is reacting, and we’re growing. Yeah, it seems good.”
Requested about Verstappen’s tackle the automobile, he stated: “Optimistic. No matter modifications we did and no matter we tried, the automobile was reacting, and roughly it was fine-tuning, what occurred now. All of us have been smiling rather a lot.”
Marko admitted that the workforce had taken an opportunity by making such a radical change between seasons.
“I imply, it is all the time a threat,” he stated. “And should you have a look at Mercedes, that they had some issues, and our automobile was working from the very first lap. So we’re very proud and glad.
“Additionally, the reliability is unbelievable. And [from] what I noticed tyre-performance-wise, once more, Ferrari has extra issues than us.
“Additionally, the McLaren appears to be just a little bit extra nervous. Mercedes, I do not know what they did. For positive they’re quicker than what they’ve proven. However we will be assured.”
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing RB20
Picture by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photos
Requested if he had anticipated rivals to make extra of a step with their vehicles, Marko couldn’t resist a dig. “I feel they did not count on what we’d do,” he stated, including: “How ought to I say? The vehicles all appear to be [ours from] final yr.”
Relating to the prospect of others copying the RB20, he stated: “It takes some time to do such an idea.”
Verstappen himself agreed that the brand new automobile was reacting nicely to modifications.
“We lined loads of laps and tried fairly a number of issues with the automobile, which was vital,” stated the world champion. “So pleased total with the way it went.
“After the winter break, the primary few laps all the time shock you just a little, however you then get again into the swing of issues fairly shortly.
“General, the automobile was responding nicely, and contemplating this was solely testing, we had a pleasant day. Trying to tomorrow, we’re talking to our engineers about what the plans can be, however I’m wanting ahead to stepping into the automobile within the afternoon.”