ADRIAN SUTIL

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Sutil 'amazed' by slick grip

Thursday 17th April 2008

Adrian Sutil was amazed with the grip he got from Bridgestone's slick tyres after finishing third on the Barcelona timesheets using the rubber.

As of next season F1 will be swapping to slick tyres and a revised downforce level, with many of the teams, including Force India, trying out the combination during this week's Spanish test.

Sutil had his opportunity get a feel for the 2009 regulations, although his best time of the day on Wednesday, was actually set while he was using a 2008 spec car with the slick tyres.

"I tried out slicks, which was my first time this year, and was really impressed. The grip is just amazing, especially in the last sector, but it is also very physical on your neck muscles. I'm looking forward to it already," Sutil said.

However, the German also put some mileage on the car in preparation for next weekend's Spanish GP, which takes place at the Barcelona circuit. "I was quite happy with today," he said.

"We did a lot of running, which wasn't bad considering the small problem we had in the morning, and the car has improved a lot since the last time we were here in February. I think it looks good for the race."

Tech director Mike Gascoyne was also encouraged by Wednesday's results, which proved to be the second successive day in which a Force India driver finished in the top three on the timesheets.

"A useful day to finish what has been a very productive test. We had a minor clutch problem in the morning that caused a small delay in running, but we nevertheless completed the day's programme," he said.

"Adrian tested the 2008 configuration in the morning in preparation for next week's race and also ran on a couple of sets of 2009 tyres. Overall, the test has been very useful, we've finished our scheduled work and we look in good shape for the grand prix."

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