Magnussen - It's a dream come true

(McLaren Mercedes)

 

New Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen has described driving for McLaren as 'A dream come true'. The Dane was speaking at the Driver's press conference on Thursday ahead of making his Formula One debut for the Woking based squad in Australia on Sunday.

 

He is going into this weekend's race not underestimating the challenge that he faces him but has stated that 'I think I'm pretty much as ready as you can be these days'.

 

When asked about what differences are on the car in Melbourne compared to when the team left Bahrain Magnussen said: 'We've got a few bits on the car so hopefully we will be good'.

 

Sebastian Vettel and his new team Daniel Ricciardo were also at the press conference and when Vettel was asked if he had offered Ricciardo any advise he replied: 'Not much, we didn't drive that much this year so there was not much I could talk about'. Obviously you do your own thing when you are in the car but as a team share everything'.

 

New Williams Martini Racing driver Felipe Massa was asked about the ongoing situation with Michael Schumacher and he said: 'Sure, I always think about him everyday, pray for him everyday so I really hope things can go back and be OK for him. For sure it was a shame to see what's happened but I keep thinking about him, he's on my helmet and we'll keep praying and believing that things can be OK for him and he's coming back'

 

Lewis Hamilton was asked about his relationship with team-mate Nico Rosberg and whether this year will see it change if the pair are both challenging for the championship. Hamilton replied: 'I mean when everyone's talking about the relationship between us, it will be the same at the start as it will be at the end. We've been racing together since we were 13, we've been in championships competing right to the end, one where he's won, one where I've won and it's been the same since...It's a more fierce championship and a lot more is riding on it but at the end, I don't see any issues'.

 

Fernando Alonso was asked about where he thinks Ferrari will be and he replied: 'I think it is very difficult to tell how competitive we are at the moment, we'll get some answers in 24 to 48 hours, we will now a bit more than we know now'.

 

The driver's were asked about which team is favourite for the championship, Daniel Ricciardo replied: 'I think the championship is'

 

He believes that their is going to be a rapid rate of development this season however, for Australia he believes Mercedes has the edge but he has refused to rule anyone out.

 

©Ben Johnston 2014