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I’M EXPECTING IT TO BE A VERY CLOSE CHAMPIONSHIP

With the final pre-season test of the 2017 Formula 2 season taking place in Bahrain this week, British racer Jordan King looks back at pre-season testing so far and shares his expectations for this year’s championship.

What are your thoughts on the Barcelona test?

Overall the test was very positive. We tried lots of different set ups for both qualifying and race while tweaking smaller things in the background to try to develop the best all round package we can.

The level of trust from the long-standing relationship I have with the team really proved its importance and benefit over the three days. We really trust each other and take feedback on board, meaning we can make improvements quickly and efficiently. Ultimately I feel we are definitely moving in the right direction.

 

What have you been doing in the lead up to Bahrain?

Since Barcelona, I’ve focused on maintaining the fitness levels I built up in the off-season, alongside training on simulators. I’ve also been meeting with engineers to ensure I’m fully up to date with what is going on and as prepared as possible as we head to the next test and, of course, the first race in April.

 

What are your expectations for the test this week?

I’m expecting to see another step up and further improvement. I have raced a few times in Bahrain and have achieved some good results there, so feel comfortable with the track. I’m sure the different tyre compounds will throw a curve ball into the mix, and we will have to work hard to get a good balance between qualifying and race configurations, but I’m confident we will have another positive few days.

 

Do you think it’s set to be another close season like 2016?

I think we have a very strong field of drivers this year so I’m expecting it to be a very close championship with lots of different winners throughout the season, as we had last year – hard work of course, but thoroughly entertaining for the fans.

 

The final pre-season test of the 2017 Formula 2 Series takes place in Bahrain on 29-31 March, with the series returning to the circuit for the first round on 14-16 April.