Perhaps it is to early to read into it, but whatever the case the fact that Sebastian Vettel topped the timing sheets at the end of his first official day on track as a Ferrari driver can be considered a good omen for the quadruple F1 world champion and the sport's most successful team.
Speaking to media at the end of his first day at the wheel of th SF15-T Vettel said, "It was a good day. Of course we would have wanted to do more laps - you always do - but we opted for a thorough checking as we had some issues with the telemetry and it’s always better to eliminate any issues right away and not carry them with you into the next sessions. So yes, overall it was a good day."
"Of course it’s nice, as the top spot of a time sheet is always nice, but lap times at tests - especially the first test - have very little significance. It’s more for the good feeling. We know that we still have a lot to do, as the reference is still Mercedes - and they did something over 150 laps today, which means that they start the season with a very reliable car. Hopefully they are not as quick as last year!"
Vettel's move to Ferrari, announced in the latter half of the 2014 season, after hugely successful years with Red Bull caught most by surprise. And seeing the German in red overalls still induces a double take, and he agrees it is a big change.
"It’s a big change. And it is getting better with every day. I have been in Maranello a couple of times over the winter and it impressed me every time I was there," mused Vettel. "The potential is huge. True, there is a lot to do until every piece falls into place but the motivation is high in everyone including me to come back as soon as possible."
"Every team has its own culture - that was so with Toro Rosso and Red Bull and it is also true with Ferrari. Probably Ferrari is more a bit like Toro Rosso - also an Italian based team. I had a great time at Red Bull, but to sum it up: Ferrari is something special. They’ve made it very easy for me to blend in - they’ve welcomed me with open arms."
Vettel struggled last year extracting the maximu from the Red Bull RB10, but of the new Ferrari cockpit he now inhabits, he said, "The steering wheel layout and the steering wheel itself are pretty different to what I was used to up until now - and I haven’t driven the 2014 Ferrari so I have no reference."
"But speaking of my experiences today [Sunday]: yes, it was a very positive day. I have made sure over the winter that I’ve taken in all the different buttons and switches. We didn’t run that much today, but the track time we had was a good starting point."
As for the main goal ahead of the 2015 season, Vettel said, "To close the gap to the frontrunner. Mercedes did a great job last season that left all others looking a bit pale - so yes, the priority is to close the gap."
And as for Ferrari's declared goal to score a couple of wins in 2105, he quipped, "More wins would be even more welcome! But we have to give it time."
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