Aston Martin Aramco Team Ambassador and Bahrain Grand Prix lap record holder Pedro de la Rosa looks back at pre-season testing and previews the opening race.

How would you assess our pre-season testing, Pedro?

We followed our programme and completed what we wanted to. The AMR24 ran reliably and we completed long runs with both Lance and Fernando. This was the priority for us because we wanted to learn as much as we could about the car in race trim.

Given pre-season is so short, we had to be very disciplined in how we conducted our programme and we never changed the plan by adjusting to what others were doing. We focused solely on ourselves.

Importantly, the data we got from the track matched what the engineers were expecting based on the wind tunnel and the simulator. That is extremely positive because it means we have a good base to build on for the upcoming 24 Grands Prix.

We have to make sure that we keep our development programme in good shape and at a good pace throughout the year, and pre-season testing has set us up well to do so.

A new F1 season is about to begin, what are the emotions and feelings for the drivers and team ahead of a fresh campaign?

It doesn't matter how many times I've been in this situation, as a driver or not, I'm always excited for a new season. The fact that we had such a short pre-season period just adds to that excitement because the three days are so critical.

Testing is not a Grand Prix but it feels like one in terms of intensity now because you know that in a few days you will be racing. There's not much time to develop, to change, to analyse data. It's an intense time but a very exciting one.

What's the key to a quick lap at Bahrain International Circuit?

What you need in Bahrain is great braking stability because there are many braking zones where you're close to hitting 5G.

You also need great traction. The first sector is all about traction and Turn 10 is as well. The rear end is key in Bahrain, and therefore you need to keep the rear tyres alive. The front tyres don't suffer, as it's mostly longitudinal braking and acceleration, so you need a lot of rear stability and rear traction.

To protect the rear tyres in the race, you have to be very careful when applying the throttle accelerating out of the slow speed corners. Any amount of unwanted wheelspin just adds stress and temperature to the rear tyres and you'll suffer the consequences if you keep doing that. It is very important to be very cautious when accelerating out of the corners and you need to make sure that you're always driving a bit under the limit of the slip of the rear tyres.

The high-speed corners in Bahrain also add stress to the tyres because of the abrasive surface. You have to watch for thermal degradation and overheating – drivers can really make a difference by managing the rear tyres efficiently.

The wind is also a factor. I've never driven in Bahrain with perfect conditions because it's always windy. You need to know the intensity of the wind and the direction of it because it can affect things like braking points. It adds another to challenge to driving a lap of the circuit, but Lance and Fernando are both experienced drivers and will be well prepared for what awaits this weekend.

1m31.447s. You still hold the lap record for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which you set in 2005. How does that make you feel and can you see it being beaten this weekend?

Records are there to be broken. I've been very, very fortunate to still hold the lap record but I know that it will eventually be topped and it will possibly be this year. I'm just surprised that it has managed to last for this long, but it will eventually be beaten and hopefully by one of our cars.