McLaren eager to see new-generation F1 cars perform at Zandvoort
McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl says that Zandvoort's fast and undulating layout coupled with the trial of DRS through the track's final banked corner should prove interesting for F1's new-generation machines.
Formula 1 will race in Holland's most famous dunes for the second year in succession after last season's historic return to Zandvoort's revamped venue.
The FIA has included the circuit's 18-degree banked Arie Luyendyk Bocht in a DRS trial that will take place in FP1 on Friday.
If satisfactory, the activation point will be permanently moved forward for the remainder of the weekend, which should boost overtaking opportunities in Sunday's race.
"Zandvoort is an incredibly quick circuit and has had some memorable moments over the years," said Seidl in McLaren's Dutch Grand Prix preview.
"With F1 trialling DRS through the final banked corner for FP1, it should be interesting to see how the new iteration of cars perform and what impact it has on our ability to overtake, especially as the cars can run side by side there.
"The undulation and swooping sections are also a good feature of the circuit and provide a nice challenge for the drivers."
Both Lando Norris and teammate Daniel Ricciardo are also excited to put there MCL36 through its paces at Zandvoort, a track that both drivers highly appreciate.
"I really enjoy driving the circuit and I’ve had some decent results there coming through the junior categories," said Norris.
"The undulation and turns make it feel like a rollercoaster ride so I’m excited to get out there and give it all we’ve got.
"It also always has an incredible atmosphere and I like to think that most of the orange is there to support McLaren..."
"It’s an awesome circuit and has such a fun, almost festival-like atmosphere which is great for your mood going into the weekend," added Ricciardo.
"It’s more of an old-school circuit with interesting features like Tarzan and the ability to overtake there, so I’m excited to get on track and see how different it is from last year in the new cars."
Beyond their enthusiasm for the venue, both McLaren drivers will need, like their team, to bring their A-game to fend off their championship rival Alpine.
The French outfit now has a 20-point lead over the papaya squad in the Constructors' standings.
"Last weekend made it clear that we’ve still got a lot of work to do to keep in the fight with the Alpines," said Norris.
"I have full faith in the team and know we will do everything we can to push through and be as prepared as we can to keep battling.
"The next two races are key so let’s keep focused and keep up the hard work."
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