Bottas predicts tight title battle between the sport's 'Big Three'
Thursday 13 December 2018 16:34, UK
Mercedes should expect an even closer battle with Ferrari and Red Bull at the start of the new F1 season next month, says Valtteri Bottas.
The weather-affected opening days of pre-season testing have given few concrete clues as to how the pecking order could stand going into the campaign when it begins in Australia at the end of March.
Bottas, who has completed the majority of Mercedes' running with the W09 so far, admits he too would be guessing at this stage but suspects the fight at the front will be even more competitive than it was at the end of last season.
"It's way too early to say but if I would have to guess something I would say it's definitely going to be closer," Bottas told reporters. "And there will at least be three teams very close in the beginning of the year."
Asked if McLaren could make it a four-team fight, Bottas replied: "As a team we don't underestimate any team or driver. Of course Fernando [Alonso] is a good driver and maybe they have a better car, but it's too early to say where the McLaren is and how strong they are looking."
Snow-affected test not a waste for Mercedes
The world champions were a close second to Ferrari in the mileage charts at the end of the second day but their 177 laps with the new W09 were still nearly 150 down on the number the W08 had racked up at the same stage last year.
But Bottas says the test has not been a complete write-off.
"I've learned a lot how to get the tyres to warm up!" he said in reference to the freezing temperatures. "I've learned about the new car and general behaviour and how it handles. I still need to really unlock everything and really test the limits.
F1 testing: The fastest laps so far
"From our aero testing we managed to complete all of it already, which is always going to be good for the future.
"We've done some mechanical tests already and got some answers and we can trust at a good percentage, even though it's cold. So it's not two days lost. But everyone is looking forward to tomorrow [Friday] and next week."
The Finn has completed all-but 25 of Mercedes' laps but played down talk it might give him an advantage over team-mate Lewis Hamilton heading into the season.
"The miles in these conditions are less valuable than miles in proper conditions," he said. "But I'll take it. I love to drive as much as possible and definitely so far I've got a better understanding because of the mileage
"But Lewis will also get a good idea of the new car, he's quick to adapt. I'm sure it'll be fine for both of us."
