Australian GP, ​​FLASH Preview: Updated Weather and Times

Thursday statements

Lewis Hamilton: «I would like to say that I have always wanted to equal what Ayrton (Senna, ed.) did in his time. Ayrton has been my favorite driver since I was a child and I have always wanted to emulate him, so this year I will also aim for a third title. It's important to start well here in Australia, without forgetting that there is a long road to face until the end of the championship and for this reason this will certainly not be the most important start of all.»

Daniel Ricardo: «I'm very excited to start the season. For all of us riders the winter break was certainly positive but shortly thereafter the tests started again and the desire to race immediately increased. Obviously I am very happy that we are starting to race here, in my homeland. Last year the season went very well, I'm ready to repeat. Mercedes still seems to have an advantage over us and we will find ourselves fighting on equal terms with Ferrari and Williams. Many have asked me where I think I'll end up on Sunday, but I honestly couldn't answer because the tests don't give any indications of this kind, I only know that Mercedes has an advantage that the other teams can fill."

Sebastian Vettel: «At Ferrari I think the atmosphere is quite positive towards the new season. There have been a lot of changes over the winter but everyone within the team has worked hard and I think that has improved the relationships between everyone, so now when we go out on track we can see where the other teams are at, especially on Saturday. During the winter testing period it is always difficult to understand everything. What is it like racing for Ferrari? An honor, there is a lot of history within the Scuderia. I'm very happy and can't wait to get into the car and go down the track. At the same time, I am aware that we will have to work very hard because our ambitions are great and we want to make sure we bring Ferrari back to the top."

Valtteri Bottas: «The 2014 season was really very good, we took a big step forward and we want to do the same this year, working in the same direction. We will try to start the season where we left off last year. This is the path we are taking to improve. From the tests it is not possible to deduce at what point we are with the development of the single-seater compared to the other teams but what everyone knows is that the Mercedes are ahead of everyone, but it is a long season and who knows whether it might reach some track the opportunity to beat them. We will continue to give our best and see if this happens. I really hope so."

Kevin Magnussen: «I haven't done many laps aboard the single-seater but if everything goes according to plan I should be able to do a maximum of 150 laps before Saturday. I've previously done around 40 laps with the car on an empty tank, so I'm quite curious to try it with a full tank of fuel and see how it performs. However, the previous season I drove a single-seater and I don't think it will be completely different this year. The car is different but I think everything will be okay. We are still “fighting” with reliability, trying to run the car as much as possible. But this is a new start for McLaren and it will take time and I believe the team has made the right decision. It will take time but I think they will make it."

Max Verstappen: «Do I feel ready? I hope so! And we'll see it shortly. Last year I did three sessions on the Fridays of the Grand Prix and I was able to compare the old car with the new one. I can say that a good step forward has been made, especially in long runs. It's promising as a single-seater and I immediately felt comfortable on board, I was able to complete many laps. All this has given me a lot of confidence to be able to face this weekend in the best possible way.»

Matteo Bramati, Andrea Villa