WILLIAMS driver Felipe Massa was delighted with a positive start to testing in Catalunya.
The Brazilian took to the wheel of the Grove-based team’s new FW40 for the first time at the Circuit de Barcelona on Monday.
Massa completed 103 laps, posting the third fastest time, and was pleased with the early signs.
The 35-year-old said: “The first day of the test is always one where you hope everything on the car works well and that it’s reliable, and with 103 laps on the board I’d say that wasn’t bad at all.”
New regulations have been introduced in Formula 1, which has seen the return of wider tyres and revamped aerodynamics, resulting in an increase in downforce.
Massa added: “ It’s early to say where we are whilst we’re still in this learning stage, but I’m really enjoying driving.
“There’s much more grip and they go much quicker in the corners. We can brake much later and reach high speeds much quicker.”
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