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On Wednesday, Mick Schumacher has driven his first laps in the Mercedes W14 for Pirelli’s 2024 tyre testing programme. Here’s what he had to say about the experience!
Mercedes has assisted Pirelli with its 2024 tyre testing programme on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
On the first day of testing George Russell completed 151 laps, while Mick Schumacher made his W14 debut on the second day and competed 152 laps.
After the experience, the young German was overjoyed.
“It was great,” Schumacher said.
“I learned a lot and it was a lot of fun. It was a very productive day; we got through everything we wanted to and ran every test tyre on the plan.
“It was also good to have that first experience of the tyres without any blankets. Obviously having not driven in a while, I felt it physically, but it was good to be back in the driving seat.
“This experience will definitely benefit me in my role. I have a better understanding of what to look out for and what to work on.
“I also have a better understanding of all the procedures and how the Team works trackside. That would be a key factor in case I ever have to jump in and race.”
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Schumacher has also been helping Mercedes in the simulator, which earned him praise from Lewis Hamilton. The young German says laps in the simulator prepared him for the real thing.
“There is obviously a difference between the simulator and driving in the real world. There will always be a difference as the technology is not at a point where you can compare it 100%.
“However, it is the closest experience I’ve had between a simulator and real life. The simulator has prepared me, and the team has made a great effort of correlating it.
“That helped me to know what to expect when driving it. It’s clear why this team is an eight-time World Champion.
“I’m very excited for the rest of the year. I’ve had a great time today and hopefully I’ll be back in a car at some point.
“I loved every bit of it! I want to say a big thank you to everybody for this opportunity,” Schumacher concluded.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz also participated in the test.
