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Tyre uncertainty helps rookies - Bottas

Valtteri Bottas: "I think it's good that we have different tyres to last year" © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Valtteri Bottas

• Teams:
• Williams

Williams driver Valtteri Bottas believes the paddock's lack of understanding of this season's Pirelli tyres will help rookies like him in the opening races.

Pirelli's new tyres have suffered from degradation in the cool temperatures at the pre-season tests so far and the compounds are expected to perform quite differently when they are used in their intended temperature range during the season. But the quick drop off in performance at the tests has meant drivers have struggled to gain an understanding of the tyres and Bottas is hoping that will create more of an even playing field for rookies at the start of the year.

"If you're a rookie and there's something new for the year it's always better as it equals everyone a little bit," he said. "I think it's good that we have different tyres to last year and everyone has to adapt to it a little bit. It's definitely a good thing for me."

Bottas said he is keen to get on with the racing after taking part in Friday practice sessions with Williams last year but not driving in competition.

"I've been in all the race weekends last year and had the practices and some test days now, it's still the first race, but I really want to get on with it and deliver really soon," he said. "If there are mistakes that's just how it is and I need to learn from the mistakes and learn not to do it again."

And Bottas does not think he will be at a disadvantage having not raced a full season since he won the GP3 title in 2011.

"I don't think so. I feel pretty good about going to the race. I don't see there being any problems. Of course everything happens quicker in Formula One and there will be something new, but that's just how it is and you need to have your first race at some point.

"They only way to improve your racecraft is to race, but I think before last year I already got to quite a good level in the categories and normally all the races went well. In F1 I've learned that it's so important to finish the race and take the flag because if you want to score the points you need to finish the race. This will be the main thing next year, to always try to finish the race. That's something I learned just from watching from the outside."

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