Haryanto still "finding the limits" in F1
Rio Haryanto has admitted that it has been a 'tough' first few days as a Formula 1 driver, after his testing this week was curtailed by a spin into the barriers on Thursday.
Photo by: XPB Images
The Indonesian, who was only confirmed at Manor last week, feels he has made big progress in his preparations for his rookie season but admits that it has been difficult getting to know a new car, new tyres, new team and a new challenge.
“It is tough,” he said. “We are all here trying to improve the car, and we have a new car, and new development.
“All I can say is that the difference between the old car – as last year I tested the Manor car – compared to this one means I could feel already quite a huge step of the performance and development.
“So we are here to learn from my side and also from the team. We will try to build as much of a relationship before the first grand prix, and I think that is the key to get our target.”
Finding limits
After bringing out a red flag with a spin at Turn 5 on Wednesday, Haryanto also went off the track on Thursday as he lost control at Turn 4 and lightly swiped the crash barriers.
Describing the second incident, he said: “I was getting used to the car and finding the limits of the car.
“So I went a little bit hot today in Turn 4 – and unfortunately there was damage to the car so we couldn't finish the afternoon session.
“But we had a good morning session where we managed to follow our run plan and we also did a lot of improvements with the car. Hopefully I could still learn more for the next one.”
Big step
Haryanto said the biggest change he has noticed between GP2 and F1 is the number of people he has to work with.
“It is really interesting coming from GP2 to F1, and it is a huge difference,” he said. “In GP2 you only work with maybe two engineers.
"In F1 you have to work with 30-40 engineers, and so there are a lot of people involved and a lot of processes that I have to follow as well.
“It is a big change. I think in time I will get used to it.”
He added: “But I am getting more confident with the team, with the relationship and with all the engineers.
“Obviously I am still here learning. There are still two more days of testing for me, so I will just try to do my best to learn as much as I can before the first grand prix.”
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