Pierre Gasly has said he is happy with the balance of his STR13 after a cold day of testing in Barcelona despite the halo causing some small issues getting in and out of the car and a torn race suit.
The Frenchman ended the day sixth fastest with a 1:21:318 completed on the yellow-marked soft tyre and managed to clock in 82 laps before the chequered flag fell. He also mentioned he was happy with the reliability the Honda power unit thus far.
When asked about the day's running in such cold conditions, he said: "As it was the first day and first time I properly pushed in the car, the other one was only the shakedown was like check-ups, and today I could really push with the softs.
"I got quite a good picture about the car balance, the potential.
"As I said, the first feeling is really good, really positive. I didn't want to expect anything. It's a new car, you always need to work in the beginning. But straight away I could feel the potential is great, especially in the last sector, today I felt good.
"We have some positive things to take from today, but of course we need to work a bit more because there are areas we feel we are struggling a bit. I think overall for me I'm really happy with this first day of testing."
Gasly also mentioned the halo was causing small issues when getting in the car, he explained it was causing his race suit to suffer small tears while sliding into his seat, climbing over the top of the halo structure without having to touch it due to the winglets on top.
When asked about the halo, he added: "I don't like it. It's just a big mess to get in the car and get out. I think my suit is already broken, so we'll have to ask for many suits from Alpine Stars this year. I'll accept that to drive with it doesn't make a big difference.
"In terms of visibility, it's the same. Of course, you see something on top of you, which is a bit weird, but when you start to drive you're still focused and you're just paying attention to your driving. You don't really see it. But to get in the car and get out is quite a big challenge.
"Already, it's the first day, and I have many holes on the back. You need to be a lot backwards to slide in the car. It's actually quite weird. Now with all the winglets you have on the Halo, you cannot really pull to get out and touch it. It's quite weird conditions, but it's nothing really important. I just prefer the old cars."
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