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2017 Bahrain Grand Prix press conference - Stoffel Vandoorne

Writer's picture: Andrew ZarbAndrew Zarb


Q: Thanks for that. Stoffel, coming to you, you obviously made your Formula One race debut here 12 months ago with a points-scoring finish. It's been a pretty tough first couple of races for you, but what have you taken from them to make you stronger going forward?

Stoffel VANDOORNE: Yeah, it's great to be back in Bahrain. I obviously had a good race here last year, which was nice to get that opportunity. A year on, I think it's a lot different; I've now got two races under my belt and a bit more experience. It's not been an easy situation for us at the moment but I feel in a good position and hopefully this weekend we can prove again that we made a step forward.

Q: Clearly very tough for you to have that lack of performance from the McLaren-Honda package at the moment. When do you expect a step change and how have you revised your expectations for the season?

SV: It's difficult really to put any timeframe on it, when it will get better. Obviously we are all hoping it's gets better sooner rather than later, I don't know exactly when we will see a step in performance.

Q: A question for all three drivers: with Fernando announcing that he is doing the Indy 500, would any of you like to do the Indy 500 or possibly another iconic race like Le Mans if you were offered?

SV: Yeah, I think I've decided to do the Spa 24 Hours instead of Hungary this year!

Q: A question for all three drivers. This is a back-to-back race. Can you explain a little bit not how heavy it is for you as drivers but for the team, logistically, physically, mentally?

SV: I think they pretty much covered everything.

Q: What do you think Stoffel? You've obviously watched a few of these races. What's the biggest thing you would be wanting to understand straight away?

SV: I think it's a very strategic race. We've seen last year Alex Rossi winning the race and doing huge amounts of fuel saving. I think anything is possible. Fernando is a clever guy. He knows what he is doing. Hopefully he comes back with a trophy. I'll give him a bottle of milk as well.

Q: Have you spoken to him about it?

SV: Only a little bit at the moment, but I'm sure I'll catch up with him over the weekend.

Q: Lewis, you said you'd like to see JB back in the car for Monaco. Can you just elaborate on why you'd want to see him there? And Stoffel, is JB the man you'd like to see back at McLaren replacing Fernando in Monte Carlo?

SV: It's not in my hands in the end. I'm sure the team has got everything under control. I don't know yet who it will be. I'm sure the team will pick the right driver.


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