Mistakes in pre-season will cost the team in Melbourne says Ocon

Renault driver Esteban Ocon has slotted comfortably back into his role as a Formula One race driver after spending a year on the sidelines as the development driver for Mercedes.

Ocon became the first Renault driver to take the R.S.20 for an attack run by assuming the driving responsibilities on Wednesday morning in Spain. Finishing the morning fifth fastest and seven tenths off Bottas at the top of the time sheets, Ocon said he's pleased with the base R.S.20 car.

"So far, the testing has been really good. We completed our morning program which was nice, without any issues and the car feels very good.

"It feels predictable. I think it's solid base to start with."

“Sometimes when you step in cars you think there is an issue that they have been trying to sort for the whole winter. There isn’t any of that at the moment.

“It’s just pretty healthy, but it’s only the first morning and we have to wait and see how it is evolved during the test.”

Asked how his role differs to that of a development drivers, Ocon explained, "In a way there's not a lot of difference.

"You are still trying to improve the car as much as you can, to give as much feedback to make it better. The big difference is that most of the stuff is made for me this time."

With testing down from eight days to just six in 2020, Ocon pressed home the importance of not making any errors during the tests.

“You just have to be more detailed and precise with everything that you do and you can’t have any issues,” said Ocon. “There is no room for any error for the team or for us. If you start to have one then it will be penalised for Melbourne.”

Daniel Ricciardo stepped into the car for the afternoon session.

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