Bottas happy with first day: 'I feel comfortable and pretty quick'

Valtteri Bottas made a far better impression at the French Grand Prix than in Baku two weeks ago. The Finnish driver didn't manage to score any points in Azerbaijan, but managed to end FP2 at Circuit Paul Ricard in second place. The driver is therefore confident that he will do better this weekend.

The Mercedes driver has a good feeling in his car and told Sky Sports: "It's hard to say whether it's down to the chassis or the track conditions, but a much better feeling than two weeks ago that's for sure. We started the weekend on the right foot and everything was good. So far I feel comfortable and pretty quick with the car."

After struggling in Azaerbaijan, Bottas will be glad that he doesn't have to drive on a street circuit this weekend, and feels much more at ease on a traditonal track. "It's such a different circuit, but the balance is good and the tyres are working well. I have confidence in the car and I think that's the biggest difference," said the Mercedes driver.

During the first two free practices he stayed ahead of his team mate Lewis Hamilton on both occasions. In the morning session Bottas set the fastest time on the grid, whereas in the afternoon he was just behind Max Verstappen.