BOTTAS UNWINDS BY TESTING FORD WRC RALLY CAR

While most of the Formula 1 world relax, Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas could not resist getting behind the wheel of a M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC as images and video of the ‘secret’ test emerged on social media.

The test comes amid uncertainty about the Finn’s future with Mercedes in F1, as once again he is proving to be no match for his teammate, yet brings a certain harmony and equilibrium to the team which a Hamilton-Esteban Ocon pairing may change to the detriment of the team.

A photographer was alerted to the test in Ferisen (Germany) and captured images of Bottas in action, behind the wheel of the 380 horsepower World Rally Championship (WRC) car.Bottas is no stranger to rallying and competed in the Arctic Lapland Rally in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC and also tested a Toyota Yaris rally car

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has made it clear that next year Hamilton’s teammate will either be Bottas or Ocon, but the smart money is that they will retain the current line-up which has been hassle-free and dominant since the Finn joined Mercedes from Williams in 2017.

Source: Grand Prix 247