Renault's Nico Hülkenberg says the new breed of Formula 1 car "feels brutally fast" in the simulator and promises they will be harder to drive over a long distances, such as a grand prix.
The German, who has switched from Force India to Renault for the 2017 season, expects many corners that previously he would have had to brake for, to now be flat-out thanks to the increased downforce as a result of lower wings and a larger diffuser.
"The new cars feel brutally fast," Hülkenberg told Auto Motor und Sport following a simulator session with Renault's new car, which is set to be officially unveiled on February 21.
"Turns 3 and 9 [at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya] are absolutely full [throttle]. That's what [only] the Red Bull or Mercedes did in the past."
Hülkenberg expects other changes as a result of the new regulations, notably a more powerful DRS, but trade-offs such as a lack of overtaking in Monaco due to the cars width expanding from 1800mm to 2000mm.
"The DRS effect is much more pronounced than in the 2016 cars," he added.
"In Monte Carlo you will not be able to overtake. You will just drive in the middle of the road with the wide cars, and that's it."
The cars will also be tougher to drive thanks to the increased G-forces, and therefore Hülkenberg has, like every driver, been pushing his fitness to the next level.
"I started training already before Christmas, and it was resumed right after New Year," he said.
"Two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon. Special training for the neck. I can promise everyone that it will be really hard in the car again. "
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