While British rookie Max Chilton feels well prepared for debut
Monday 11 March 2013 13:53, UK
Marussia chief John Booth believes his team heads into the season-opening grand prix of 2013 in their "best shape ever" following an encouraging winter testing programme with the MR02.
However, while the team begin their fourth year of F1, the Australian GP represents debut races at the top level for their all-new rookie driver line-up - Max Chilton and Jules Bianchi. With uncertainty over the identity of his team-mate for much of the winter, British youngster Chilton was able to complete more test days than any other driver in the field and insists he feels well equipped to tackle a Grand Prix weekend for the first time. "I can't wait for Australia and the start of my debut season," the 21-year-old said. "The past few weeks of pre-season testing have flown by, but I've spent a lot of time in the car working on so many different things that I feel totally prepared for what lies ahead now. "We gathered a lot of information with the MR02 in Jerez and Barcelona and at every stage it has been possible to see the benefit of all that learning and development. I hope to continue that in the opening races." And while Albert Park is one of several tracks Chilton hasn't driven on before prior to his rookie campaign, the Briton added: "I think we have a good car for Melbourne but it is vital that we keep pushing forward. It's my first time in Australia, so I'm looking forward to the experience of Albert Park and the rest of the city, as I've heard so many great things about the place and the atmosphere. It's going to be quite a weekend."