- Second Bahrain Test - Day Three
MP4-29 has potential - Magnussen
Kevin Magnussen is confident McLaren has resolved the problems that plagued the ride on last year's MP4-28 and has a car with "a lot of potential" this year.
Magnussen completed his last day in the MP4-29 on Saturday, completing a race simulation and setting the fourth fastest time behind the Williams, Mercedes and Ferrari. He believes the car is a good starting point for the team and has performance that has not yet been unlocked.
"It really feels like the car has a lot of potential," he said. "Driving last year's car you could feel the problems in the car, but this year it feels like how a Formula One car should feel. We have a pretty clear route ahead and we know where we can improve. I think the car has a good base.
"Mercedes' and Williams' lap times look very quick. None of us, I'm sure were in Q3 spec so we will have to wait and see. We have more to come, but we're not in the best place."
Magnussen said the car's main weakness is a lack of downforce.
"For sure, downforce is the main thing in Formula One, so of course there will be time to find there. But it's everywhere, understanding of the powerunit, but downforce is the main thing."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
