Bottas positive after disappointing qualifying: "Starting in P3 is good here"

The Sochi circuit is normally a track where Valtteri Bottas performs well. This year, the Finn doesn't manage to get P1 in qualifying and is eventually beaten by Max Verstappen. Still, Bottas is happy with his starting position. Bottas will start on the medium tyres, while Hamilton starts on the softs. 

“I seemed to be in good shape all weekend. The speed was good and Q1 and Q2 went smoothly, but Q3… I managed to make some improvements, but the other guys clearly found more speed. This track is quite sensitive with the tyres, to get them just the right temperature. In my first run in Q3 my tires were too cold and in the second run, I don't know, I just couldn't go faster. So there are some question marks, but actually starting in third place is quite good here and I also start on the right tyre," says Bottas.

Good memories for Bottas

“I have already started in third place here once before and I still remember what happened at the start. I will certainly try to repeat that scenario tomorrow. I really think I have an advantage with the medium tire, so we still have all the chances ahead of the race," the Finn concluded.