Formula One news

Column: Getting ready for Melbourne

January and February are always very busy months. Like every other Formula 1 driver we're working hard to get in shape and to get the car as well prepared as possible for the first race of the season.

We have two good weeks of testing behind us. Last week we were in Barcelona and completed a lot of work, while this week we were testing at Valencia. I was in the car on Tuesday and Wednesday. I had to mainly focus on long stints. 

Testing is very important. With the long runs I was covering we check how reliable the car is, if there aren't any temperature problems, how the set-up feels, pitstops, the balance of the car and the electronics. For each of those things it is very important to make sure you understand how it reacts over a long distance, and thus a race. The temperatures of the brakes for example are very different during the long runs than during a short run. We will have to adjust the traction control as we cover the miles because the brakes react differently, but also the tyres are getting less grip in the corners after a while.
The balance in the car also changes while you're on a long run as there is less and less fuel on board. As you get less fuel you might want to change your traction control settings again. All these kind of things you want to try out at a test session, so you can easily adapt yourself to the car while you're at a race.

Apart from the car we are trying to learn a lot about the Bridgestone tyres. There will be two compounds next season. A soft and hard compound. We try to discover how the car handles with both tyres.

Next week we will continue our test programme at Circuit de Catalunya again. I am going to work on my seating a bit to get a bit more comfortable in the car, work on the set-up of the car but also work with Bridgestone on the softer and harder compounds.

more news

• 25 Nov.
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  • Brawn aero chief wins award
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• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
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  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

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