Isaac Hajjar: I've been waiting for this moment for a long time

      In tests, the new Racing Bulls car was inferior to potential rivals, but the team is optimistic about the start of the season.…

      Isaac Hajjar: "I'm excited to go to Australia for my first Formula 1 race. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I want to get on the track as soon as possible and evaluate our form.

      Physically, I am ready, I trained a lot in the winter, attended a training camp in Qatar, and already felt good during the tests in Bahrain. The team is also ready – we've been working hard on the simulator, the tests went smoothly – it's time to start."

      Yuki Tsunoda: "I arrived in Australia last Saturday and spent several days on the coast, devoting this time to training, rest, adapting to the heat and time zone. It looks like we're going to have a hot weekend.

      I like being in Australia, the people here are friendly and the food is delicious. I love to walk outdoors, and there are great hiking spots here where you can clear your head before the start of the season.

      I feel like I'm ready to start. I have performed well at Albert Park in the past, and I hope the first stage will be positive, which will make me optimistic throughout the season."

      Laurent Mekis, team principal: "The last time the Formula 1 season started in Melbourne was five years ago, in 2020, but it didn't start then. The race was canceled, and the whole world was faced with the terrible consequences of the pandemic. However, in the midst of this global catastrophe, Formula 1 and the teams showed resilience, perseverance and the ability to adapt – our sport was one of the first to find a way to hold competitions while ensuring the safety of its employees. These qualities have been useful to us in preparing for another long season of 24 Grands Prix.

      During the winter, we did everything possible to prepare ourselves at both the Italian and British bases. The move from the old Bicester building to the modern workshops in Milton Keynes went smoothly, and the tests in Sakhir allowed us to evaluate the results of the work done over the past few months. But we know that there is still a lot to be done.

      It is difficult to judge the balance of power now, as the tests in Bahrain were conducted in cool and rainy weather. It's customary for us to start the season with a young debutant in the squad, but Isaac learns quickly and has already demonstrated his speed. He's learning from Yuki, who impressed us last season, and I know he's capable of achieving more."