Kevin Magnussen quotes ahead of Bahrain Grand-Prix 10.04.2017: Bahrain is the site of Haas F1 Team’s best finish – fifth-place in last year’s race, which was only the second race for Haas F1 Team. You

Bahrain is the site of Haas F1 Team’s best finish – fifth-place in last year’s race, which was only the second race for Haas F1 Team. You were at Renault last year, so from an outsider’s perspective, what did you think of that performance, especially with it coming after a sixth-place finish in the season opener at Australia?


“It was really impressive, both the first two races for Haas F1 Team last year. Everyone noticed that in Formula One.”
 





You proved last year that you can overtake at Bahrain. Where do you overtake and how do you do it?


“In the DRS zone is the obvious one. There are few other spots around the track as well where you need to be awake if there’s a chance.”
 




With all the newness this year, how helpful is it to have the same tire compounds – White medium, Yellow soft and Red supersoft – on these back-to-back race weekends between China and Bahrain?


“It doesn’t make a big difference. We’re still learning about the tires, that’s for sure, but it should be fine.”
 



Drivers are saying that with the wider tires this year the loss of grip is very sudden. The amount a car can naturally slide through a corner is very limited, and when grip goes away, it’s gone. Obviously, it’s a delicate balance. How do you find it?


“It’s a little bit more snappy than it was before. You also have a lot more grip, so it’s a bit of give-and-take. It feels a lot better to drive these cars.”
 



The amount of run-off area at Bahrain is high. Does that allow you to push the limits of your car and its tires more than at some other venues?


“Yes it does. I still prefer to have not so much run-off. It means that you are challenged more and the window for error is narrower.”
 



Are you able to learn more at a venue like Bahrain because you are able to push harder and discover a car’s limits?

“No, I wouldn’t say so. It’s a different challenge, but you’re learning every time.”
 




With the race beginning in the late afternoon and ending at night, how much does the track change as the air and track temperatures cool?


“It changes the behavior of the tires, the wear life and so on. It’s something that you need to anticipate before the race.”
 



What can you do to combat those changing track conditions during the race?

“Stuff like setup on the car, tire pressures, front wing – these are all things you adjust accordingly for when the temperatures drop.”
 



What is your favorite part of the Bahrain International Circuit and why?

“I’d say turns 11, 12 and 13 are cool.”
 



Explain a lap around the Bahrain International Circuit.

“It’s a track with some good braking zones, fast chicanes and medium-speed corners. It’s quite fun.”
 
 


Mike Arning photos Haas F1