Pic: Engine and KERS biggest changes from Marussia

Charles Pic says the change of engine and the addition of KERS marks the biggest difference from the Marussia he drove last year and the Caterham he is driving now.

“I think the biggest difference is coming from the engine side and KERS,” he told reporters in Jerez.

“Last year we didn’t have KERS, it’s quite different, you have to learn how to use it and where you decide to take back the energy to decide it. Yeah it’s a new part but it’s quite fun.”

“It’s coming step by step. I’m sure there is still a lot of work to do on it.”

Pic added that managing the effect of KERS on braking was a particular challenge: “For sure it is different because it’s giving you more locking because when you recharge it it’s like extra rear braking.

“I think you have to learn how to use it and where you recover the energy so where you have this extra rear braking depending the circuit and where you want it to not disturb your balance.”

Pic said he wasn’t drawing any conclusions on the basis of his first day’s running:

“The first day I was very happy because I didn’t drive since Brazil so I was looking forward [to] this day.

“It was a good day, we lost some running time unfortunately but I think it’s like that. We made the best we could and the mechanics work very fast.

“Now it’s too early to say anything, I don’t know what is the performance of the car compared to others. I think what is important is follow the programme you have, get the answers from the test and prepare a lot.”

Pic starts his second year of F1 alongside rookie team mate Giedo van der Garde, but said he doesn’t feel under pressure as a de facto team leader:

“So first time I’m not alone there is a lot of engineers at the tracks,” he said. “For me it’s changing nothing I just give my best, give the best feedback I can to help them the maximum and that’s it.”

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