This morning started with a pretty decent run in FP1 and we got quite a good baseline set-up straight away, but unfortunately during the second run with the second set of tyres we had an issue with the brakes, so we couldn’t improve our lap times. It was a shame, as it would’ve been good to continue the work during the rest of the session instead of losing some essential track time. We were able to sort out the braking problem for FP2, so we were able to build-up the pace again straight away. It was a good session for us – we completed plenty of laps and got a good feel from both tyre compounds. We also did a long run on the option tyre, so it was a decent afternoon. We now have a lot of data to look at and we need to work hard tonight. I think we can build on this for the rest of the weekend.

It was good to get back in the car again after my last outing in Budapest. I needed a bit of time to get used to the car again, as we had some updates in Spa and the car felt a bit different to start with. Now we just need to fine-tune the set-up and have a bit more time out on track tomorrow as today I only had a 90-minute practice. I am happy with today’s session; we were able to go through the planned programme. It’s good to be back and we are quite close to our rivals, so I am looking forward to a close battle this weekend.

It’s been an amazing day today. My dream finally came true and I drove a Formula 1 car out of the garage for the first time in my life. I’m very happy and it was an impressive experience – the car was pretty quick on the straights and the first outing was amazing when I went full on power, a very nice feeling. I’m satisfied with my performance today, to complete so many laps without a mistake was my real highlight of the day. I want to thank Caterham F1 Team for giving me the opportunity to drive the car on a Friday of a Grand Prix weekend.

It’s been a positive start to the weekend. As usual, in Monza, one of the most important things is to try and asses the correct downforce level and, since we had one experienced driver and a young driver in the car this morning, we gave the more difficult settings and experimental programme to Marcus and we have plenty of useful information. It was good to give Roberto Merhi the chance to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time, he did a solid job. In the afternoon Kamui was back in the car, completing plenty of laps which, added to Marcus’ mileage, gives us a good amount of essential data for us to analyse and prepare for a good qualifying and race. It was also a pleasure to invite the Mayor of Verona, Flavio Tosi to visit the Caterham F1 Team today here in Monza, as one of our logos on the car for this weekend refers to the Festival Arena of Verona 2014.