Vettel set for 'busiest week' to top 'big midfield group'

Sebastian Vettel has described the coming seven days as "the busiest of those last busy weeks" as Aston Martin prepares to find the edge in F1's midfield.

Vettel ended the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain 10th quickest, with team-mate Lance Stroll P16.

Although few conclusions can be drawn from the timesheet, evidenced by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton finishing second slowest, Vettel believes he at least has an idea of where Aston Martin sits in the pecking order.

“We have lots of stuff to go through like a lot of people who are fighting the porpoising down the straights and there are lots of things that we tried but we will see where we are next week," said Vettel.

“But I just sense that there seems like a big group with a lot of teams and we seem to be somewhere in there, hopefully, at the front [of it], that could make a big difference.”

Aston Martin still suffering with porpoising

Describing the cars as "heavy" and "a bit lazy", Vettel explained that all the teams face the same challenges over the coming days with porpoising still a constant issue.

“I think everybody is in the same position," he added. "We are all at the limit with these cars with bits and pieces so the next week will be the final week we have to prepare.

"It is the first time we are going to run with two cars which is different to running with one car.

“So still a very busy week ahead of us, probably the busiest out of those last busy weeks but again, everybody is in the same boat.”

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