Lewis Hamilton insists Mercedes isn't chasing quick times during the opening pre-season test, despite team-mate Valtteri Bottas posting the quickest time of the week so far.
Bottas used the ultrasoft tyre to post a 1:19.705 – more than three-seconds quicker than the 2016 pole time, which was set on softs – to go quickest on the third day, but Hamilton says Mercedes have yet to focus on dialing in the car for ultimate lap time and have instead been focusing purely on mileage, after he completed his first race simulation during the afternoon.
"It’s been a great test so far for the team," said the Briton. "Everyone at the factory has worked so hard to build a car that goes the distance. As always on these test days we’re trying to get through as much as possible, in terms of reliability.
"The main thing is I got my first race run done today with no problems at all. Everything’s worked well, which I’m happy about. The car is running smoothly and we’re just running through setup items to tick off boxes at this stage.
"This is testing, so on the first week you never chase times.
"When you bring out a new car you don’t have all of the components to be able to switch and make changes and work through everything you want to do – that’s something that filters through over the days. Next week we should have a better opportunity to dial in the car, but for now we’re focusing on mileage."
Hamilton is also pleased with the job his new team-mate is doing, adding: "Valtteri is doing a great job so far. His feedback seems solid, he’s working great with the team and transitioning in smoothly."
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