Having secured a sensational P5 on the grid at the Australian Grand Prix, Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda has conceded that he does not understand where the eye-catching lap time came from.
Following a tough pre-season testing in Sakhir, Racing Bulls have displayed a surprisingly strong showing so far in Melbourne. Yuki Tsunoda managed to get himself through into the last qualifying segment, and he delivered an eye-catching performance in Q3 to secure fifth place on the grid.
“I didn’t expect us to have this result today, I definitely wasn’t expecting to be P5, I was more expecting to be in the top 10. I knew it would be a tight field, but the last lap was a pretty magical lap; I was able to put it all together. I got a little bit of help from Lando with a tow, so I’m appreciative of that.
“The lap time came a bit out of nowhere, but the car has been consistently good over the week. The team pushed really really hard, I’m surprised to be honest how much of a step up we’ve made since Abu Dhabi, you can tell from this result the hard work they’ve put in over the off season, so well done to them and the team at the factory.
“We know we’re going to have a bit of rain tomorrow, we’re prepared with the set-up of the car. I’m sure the car will perform well so I’m excited and confident, just have to stay focussed,” concluded Tsunoda.
His team-mate Isack Hadjar stated that he had a “good feeling” across the first and second qualifying segment, but he was not happy with the balance on his last lap. The Frenchman will therefore line up 11th on the grid at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
“I’m quite happy today, and coming to this weekend, I’d have signed for this result in my first Qualifying in Formula One. I had a good feeling in Q1, and then in Q2, I lost a bit of lap time during my lap as I wasn’t as happy with the balance.
“I know where I lost time, and that’s why I’m a bit frustrated. Albert Park is a very particular circuit, but this performance from us as a team with also Yuki in P5 shows we worked hard after Bahrain Testing, making some steps forward and allowing us to have a better understanding of the car.
“Looking at tomorrow where rain is forecast, I’ve never driven in wet conditions with all the other cars around, only once alone in a TPC, so I can’t count on much experience, but instead it will be important to use the instinct and smartness.”
