Formula 1 drivers gave a positive initial verdict on the Madring after their first practice sessions on the new track yesterday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe track is extremely challenging in every aspect,\u201d said Esteban Ocon<\/a>. \u201cBut it\u2019s very good fun, I\u2019m having a blast out there.\u201d<\/p>\n The Haas driver was relieved to discover the track offered a reasonably high grip level for a new, temporary facility.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a big, big challenge but the grip is super high, which makes it very, very interesting and very different to any other tracks,\u201d he said. \u201cSo it was fun out there so far.\u201d<\/p>\n Only one driver, Arvid Lindblad<\/a>, had a significant crash during Friday\u2019s two practice sessions. \u201cIt\u2019s not an easy track, so we\u2019re all pushing to find the limits,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s new for all of us. I just made a bit of a mistake, overdid it a little bit in turn 13, so it\u2019s a bit of a shame. Obviously, I apologise to the mechanics and to the team because it\u2019s a bit of extra work for them unfortunately tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Nico Hulkenberg<\/a> was impressed by the speed of the layout in places. \u201cHell of a track, the Madring,\u201d said the Audi driver. \u201cTough, very challenging. I mean, crazy fast: it\u2019s like Monaco, but just ultra fast. There\u2019s some serious high-speed combinations, a lot of change of directions with virtually no room for error, no run-off on the exit.<\/p>\n \u201cSo it was an intense day. Heart rate\u2019s definitely up in this circuit and the adrenaline is kicking in, but we managed to scrape through today.\u201d<\/p>\n However a significant question for the remainder of the weekend is how easily drivers will be able to pass in the race. \u201cWe don\u2019t know, obviously, racing-wise, how realistic or possible overtaking is or not,\u201d said Hulkenberg. \u201cThat obviously has an impact how important quali is or is not.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of first times here and a lot learning over the entire weekend and it\u2019s kind of learning by doing and finding out and going through those processes and we\u2019ll see what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free<\/a><\/p>\n