Hamilton: “The new super hard tires are a real disaster”

With so many teams bringing major updates to Spain, we may see a shake-up on the grid at the Circuit de Catalunya this weekend. Friday's free practice suggests that if anyone can beat the Red Bulls this weekend it is Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren. The former world champion admits though that Vettel and Webber may still have something in their hands, and he is not satisfied with the new hard Pirelli compound, although he admits that the latter could help lay the foundations for another exciting race .

Lewis really think you can beat the Red Bulls this weekend?
Lewis Hamilton: I think we are just as competitive as we have been in the past, which doesn't mean we are close to them. Let's wait until tomorrow to see how we really fare compared to them. Regarding our performance I can say that the car was very good – much better when we put the usual tyres, the super hard ones were a disaster.

When do you think you have a real chance of beating the Red Bulls?
LH: Well, I don't know. But I definitely intend to fight tomorrow and in Sunday's race. Today we were focused on our program, but it's only Friday and you never know what everyone else has been feeling. We might even find ourselves a little behind, but the showdown will be tomorrow afternoon and the reality will be seen in the race on Sunday.

The times today suggest that you are indeed very close to them…
LH: Yes, as of today the situation seems pretty good. So far in qualifying we have found ourselves with a gap of half a second, so without a doubt they still have the fastest car. On the long run they are even faster.

What do you mean when you say super hard tires are a disaster?
LH: I don't think I need to explain the word disaster, can I? That's two seconds or more per lap – need I say more? I've probably said too much already, but they made us struggle significantly.

Like every other team, McLaren brought some new aerodynamic parts to Barcelona. Will they deliver what you expect?
LH: Yes, we had some new components brought in and so far I can say they work well. We've definitely improved in a couple of small areas, which is good. The front wing has been changed and it seems to work a little better, so from the car side, I can say that we are definitely moving forward. The good thing was the new tires. They are very difficult to get up to temperature – and then last – so my guess is that everyone will largely stick with the options this weekend, as they are much more pleasant to ride.

How do you think the new tires will affect the strategy this weekend?
LH: My guess is that there will be a race with a very short stint on the new tyres.

You were recently quoted saying that this race will be the biggest test for the car and tires so far this season. Do you still think this?
LH: No. Nobody can predict what will happen in the next race. But I'm sure there will be a very good show once again – and even more so with such a big difference in the tyres. Once again I predict the fans will have fun.