Admittedly, Racing Bulls have given no indication as to what Lawson practiced on Friday, with different tyres, fuel loads and aerodynamic setups available to its two drivers.<\/p>\n
But speaking after Free Practice Two, the Kiwi outlined the team\u2019s work over the off-season has for the most part started to pay off.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a decent day,\u201d said Lawson. \u201cWe pretty much completed our run plan and overall I feel happy. The speed\u2019s not too bad as well, especially for day one. <\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, we\u2019re trying to improve as much as we can. But to come here with a decent car [developed] from online simulations and limited running is pretty good. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m pretty happy, there\u2019s still a lot to work on for the rest of the weekend, but a good start.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the other side of the garage, Lindblad should also be more than happy with his day\u2019s work. At just 18, the Brit is not just the youngest driver on this year\u2019s grid, but its only rookie too.<\/p>\n
And yet, across two sessions he beat not just his teammate, but previous race winners and world champions.<\/p>\n
Naturally, Lawson would be within his rights to be upset at losing ground on a junior teammate, especially after the same thing happened last year, and saw him overlooked for Isack Hadjar <\/a>when promotion to Red Bull\u2019s senior side was needed. <\/p>\n However, with Racing Bulls still learning about the capabilities and limitations of their new car, Lawson says Lindblad\u2019s efforts on the first day in Melbourne have gone a way to aiding both drivers before qualifying for Sunday\u2019s grand prix. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a good day for the team, Arvid had a pretty strong day as well,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s great for us going into tomorrow, with what looks like a pretty strong package that\u2019s had both of us working on it together.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s promising so far.\u201d<\/p>\n Qualifying begins at 6pm (NZT) on Saturday. <\/p>\n