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Tsunoda confident after F1 test with RB20: 'They were impressed'
- Nicole Mulder
On the Tuesday after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda finally got the chance to drive Red Bull Racing's RB20. The Japanese driver, who still has his sights set on the Formula 1 seat next to Max Verstappen, looks back on the post-season test with confidence.
Tsunoda: 'Red Bull were impressed with my feedback'
Tsunoda says Red Bull's main focus was on feedback, so his main aim was to provide the Austrian team with valuable data and information."The feedback was an unknown factor for them, so that's where we focused and we tried to communicate as many details as possible," he says at the Honda Racing Season Finale.
"I heard they were impressed, especially with my feedback. That came not only from the engineers at the track, but also from the engineers who were providing remote support from the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes. They said they were impressed with my input," the Racing Bulls driver continued.
Tsunoda realises he is not necessarily the top favourite for the Red Bull seat, but he is far from giving up on the dream. "I think the chances are 50-50. Of course I would be happiest if I could drive for Red Bull, but I am incredibly grateful for all the support I get from everyone in this current situation," he explains.
“No matter which team I’m in, what I have to do is the same. It’s not just about Red Bull. VCARB can easily overtake them in development, so it doesn’t have to be Red Bull. I don’t know what will happen, but I just want to perform well and score points. To be on the podium at Suzuka would be the ultimate dream. But to achieve that, I want to help build a better car and a better team one day. Until then, I hope everyone is patient,” Tsunoda concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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