Williams are the only team that are 'off the pace'

Former Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa believes that the quality of pre-season testing in Barcelona over the past few weeks is one of the highest he has seen, and reckons that the only team "off the pace" ahead of the season is Williams.

The Spaniard made his analysis of testing whilst trackside of the action at the Circuit de Catalunya, and was certainly impressed with what he witnessed.

"I've never seen such a close pre-season," said the former F1 driver.

"Really, it's spectacular. The only team that is a little off the pace is Williams. The others are covered by a handkerchief," de la Rosa told Spain's El Confidencial.

He agrees with the analysis that Ferrari is ahead, saying the handling of the Maranello team's 2019 car is "spectacular".

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"The most incredible thing is that they do that with such a small front wing. Same with the Alfa. The only thing I don't like about the Ferrari is the matte colour," de la Rosa laughed.

"And my only fear is that Ferrari will dominate. It just looks so good in the corners. We could find ourselves with a situation like Mercedes in recent years, just a different colour.

"The last day of Lewis Hamilton is at least a ray of hope," the Spaniard added.

He admitted he is not impressed by Red Bull, even though the Honda engine looks to be at a "very good level".

"I was surprised to see Red Bull with a car that is very similar to last year's," he said.

"What can I say? The car seems normal in the corners but I was not surprised at all. Last year Verstappen was amazing in turn five, but honestly I am not getting anything special at the moment."

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