Racing Point driver Sergio Perez has praised Formula 1 chiefs for an “incredible job” with the revised 2019 aerodynamic regulations.
Formula 1 drivers have repeatedly complained in recent years that they struggle to follow a rival for a sustained period of time due to the ‘dirty air’ given off by the car in front.
This disturbed airflow means the pursuing car cannot operate as effectively as in clean air, while having a knock-on effect of causing additional tyre and engine wear.
For 2019 Formula 1 has amended the regulations in a bid to reduce the impact of dirty air, and Perez joined Kevin Magnussen in praising the impact the changes have made.
“I did [follow] a bit with [Valtteri] Bottas,” he said.
“Certainly it feels like you lose less downforce.
“So far I would say that Formula 1 has done an incredible job at the moment with the rules.
“We will see what it is like in Melbourne, racing with other cars around you with similar pace but I really hope the show can be better.
“[And] I think the delta to overtake a car should be reduced by quite a bit given that you can follow more and the advantage from DRS, so I hope the racing can be a lot more fun for the fans and the drivers.”
On Racing Point’s relatively subdued display during pre-season testing, Perez commented: “I think so far in winter testing I’ve done about 130-140 laps, so it’s not a lot.
“So I really hope my final day can be a lot of understanding with different fuel loads, different tyre compounds.
“It’s just that we are short on mileage. We knew coming here it was going to be the case.
“We expect quite a different car in Melbourne so the more understanding the better.”
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