Verschoor and MP Motorsport growing in confidence after ‘very strong’ in-season test

31 March 2025

Richard Verschoor is feeling confident about his and MP Motorsport’s chances moving forward, after the Dutchman set the pace on the final day of running at the Sakhir in-season test.

After focusing on long run simulations for much of Day 3, Verschoor and MP bolted on a set of the new Soft tyres late on, before completing a 1:43.273, to finish fastest.

Speaking afterwards in Bahrain, the 24-year-old reviewed the test, believing both he and the team had a lot to work with moving forward.

“Of course we had Christmas in the evening, putting on new softs because we had one left,” started Verschoor. “So, it's not really saying a lot, because only four or five people put the softs on.

“But I think overall we have been very strong in the test, also the race runs we did today were very, very good, feeling-wise.

“Of course, we will analyse everything that we have tested, what we can take, and what we can't, so of course happy. It's always nice to finish P1, but I prefer to say that Friday night of the race weekend.”

Verschoor set the fastest time of Day 3 after putting on a set of new Softs

Verschoor has taken part in both the 2024 post-season and 2025 pre-season test with MP, so talking in more detail about the recent three days of running, he shared what their focus was in Bahrain.

“Obviously, I've got quite some experience now, from previous teams as well, so I know what I want in the car,” he explained. “But on the other hand, I think MP has a very good base.

“I am very happy with the way they work and how things are going at the moment. There are certain things we test on the car and then we see, get some data, see if it's better or not, and whether we want to apply that for the race or for Qualifying.

“In the end, I am just happy that the base of MP, is very strong. I think it's more about finalising my driving to suit the car, other than improving the car a lot further, which of course you can always do, but I think it's more about driving.”

When asked what in particular he has had to adapt in his driving style, Verschoor explained: “Formula 2 has the same chassis, same engine, same gearbox, same everything, but still the way teams work and set up the car can be very different.

“Some cars suit your driving and some don’t, and I think this car suits my driving in certain areas and in certain areas I have to adapt my driving a bit.

Verschoor says he and MP's confidence has grown since the end of last season

“I am used to driving a certain way and it's quite hard to get out of that habit. But I think it's going well, we just have to put everything together in Qualifying. That's the trick, try to be there and then have a good position for both races.”

Since joining the team at the end of November for Round 13 of the 2024 campaign in Lusail, Verschoor says he and MP’s confidence has only grown, putting them in a good position for the upcoming race weekends.

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“I think we are just getting more confident,” he said. “Let’s see if we improve further, I can only tell you after the Qualifying sessions. Inside the team, we have a very good environment, everyone is very positive.

“It just feels nice to drive for MP, and I am also very excited, the season is very long, so I keep that in mind, but we are looking for a strong result in Bahrain.

“I am very excited. I know that the season is long, there are some tracks coming where I am very strong, some tracks where I know I need a bit of work. So, maybe some extra preparations coming there, but we will see I am just very excited.”