Q: What is the car’s handling like?
MS: I am pretty surprised by how good the car feels, even with a full tank.

Q: Do you have an advantage over the other drivers because during your career you’ve driven cars built with similar regulations in mind?
MS: No. There is a notion that experience can make a difference, but the circumstances are always so specific and new that everybody has to come to terms with them.

Q: With a limited number of test days available to them, do drivers have to limit their programmes or work more efficiently?
MS: You have to work more efficiently. When I look back at 2005, we tested for over 95,000 kms and made a huge leap forward. Testing doesn’t automatically mean progress - you have to know how you should test and what you should test. In this respect, the teams are all well equipped. They all have simulation programmes and structures set up already back at their factories that enable them to determine the direction of their test schedule.

Q: Germany seems to be looking forward to seeing you battle with Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel. Are you excited?
MS: I am honestly looking forward to it. Sebastian is a nice chap and we’ve already done things together, and that has always been fun. I’m looking forward to it.

Q: Are you enjoying pushing the car to the limit?
MS: Naturally, in testing it's the only satisfaction you have. You push the car to the limit and you try to be precise and consistent. So the challenge is with yourself and you drive against the stopwatch. Over a race weekend you have direct reference - here, you don't.