Bottas predicts more overtaking in 2019

Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas has joined several other drivers in their belief that following and overtaking will be easier in 2019.

Daniel Ricciardo, Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Perez have all spoken of positive experiences in testing to give them belief that the 2019 aero updates will achieve their aim of improving overtaking.

And now Bottas has become the latest driver to ditch the negativity which had dominated the paddock.

Speaking via GPFans, he said: “You can feel there is more drag, and that alone improves slipstreaming because the guy in front is creating a bigger hole in the air.

“Everyone is talking about the front wing, and I also have the impression that it has become a little easier to follow a car.

“But I think the bigger effect will be the (larger) DRS. All in all, I think overtaking will be easier.

“If you follow now, the car feels more stable and the handling is more predictable. We are moving in the right direction.

“People also thought the new aerodynamics would slow us down, but I don’t believe that either.”

Bottas ended pre-season third fastest behind teammate Lewis Hamilton, who in-turn finished just 0.003s shy of Sebastian Vettel’s PB and fastest time of testing – a 1:16.221.

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