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Bottas believes Mercedes took a small step back in FP2 compared to Red Bull

Bottas believes Mercedes "took a small step back in FP2" compared to Red Bull

22-10-2021 22:58
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Mercedes have installed a sixth internal combustion engine (ICE) to Valtteri Bottas' car. The Finnish driver will take another grid penalty, but this time it's only five places rather than the usual ten. Therefore, Bottas sees opportunities in the United States Grand Prix despite seeing déjà vu. 

Same again

"Yeah again. Unfortunately, have to take a penalty. But this time a bit smaller than other times so five places for sure I can still have a good race from there. The main thing is for me is to focus on the race pace and that's what we tried to focus on today," Bottas told Sky Sports.

Work to do 

Bottas says his engineers have some work to do overnight to improve the Mercedes car. Bottas topped FP1 but saw Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton move ahead of him in FP2.  The surface of the circuit is having a negative effect on the tyre temperatures, 

"Still, work to do with the set-up, it's not easy to drive at all, and it feels like this track has lost a bit of grip and the balance is a bit inconsistent. It's hotter than last time around, but the tarmac is getting older and there's less grip. We have a good car, today showed it's pretty close at the front. Maybe relevant to the competition we took a small step back in FP2 but focused more on the long runs and it's all to play for. I will be racing and need to overtake. I want to make it to the podium or fight for the win," Bottas added.