Q & A with Sakon Yamamoto

Sakon Yamamoto: No, obviously we didn't have any testing, so today was my first chance to drive a Spyker Formula 1 car. This morning we used the time for adjusting the seat fitting, sorting out the pedal positions and so on. Learning how the car reacts ... everything was new for me.

But we were able to use the time really well, because we didn't make any mistakes, didn't have any problems. We were also to compare the two different tyres. I could learn how last year's tyres were different to this year's tyres, and that was really important for me to know.

Q. Your seat didn't fit properly?

SY: We did a seat fitting, but it is completely different once you go and drive the car. Your seat might be perfect in the garage, but once you start to drive, you realise, 'oh, this part is causing pain, and this part is too loose, or too tight.

Q. Was it more comfortable in the afternoon session, or is it something that can only be fixed overnight?

SY: This afternoon, we didn't have enough time to prepare exactly what I want. So we compromised and made some extra bits out of foam. We will probably make another seat this evening, and by tomorrow it will be better.

Q. Do you feel comfortable with systems in the car, the controls on the steering wheel ...?

SY: Yes. Everything, all of the systems, are working quite well. I didn't have any issues with that.

Q. Obviously the team will not be putting much pressure on you because they understand your position, but what are you expecting from yourself this weekend?

SY: Of course, as a driver, I want to push. But the situation is really that if I push now, I am going to make a mistake. And a small mistake will probably cause a big mistake. So right now, I should just be really calm and just learn how the car feels, how the tyres feel, and how I should drive this Spyker Formula One car.

Q. What have the last couple of weeks been like? Were you excited? Nervous?

SY: Yeah, at times I have been very excited to be back in Formula One. But when I arrived here, I had already forgotten all of that. I was driving GP2 at the last race, and that is all forgotten. I am just concentrating completely on my job.