Column: Chilton ready for F1 debut

After taking the role of test driver for the last six races in 2012 at Marussia, Max Chilton will take part in his debut race on March the 17th in Melbourne, Australia.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Chilton said: "I wouldn't have wanted to make the step up if I wasn't ready."

"I believe after my last year in GP2 with two wins and two pole positions I am ready and when I got behind the wheel in Abu Dhabi for practice I felt comfortable and that is the main thing - I know I can do it."

"After three long, hard seasons in F1 the team are yet to score a point and if I can score their first points then that will be an incredible feeling. Hopefully if testing goes well we can get that done early on in the season and then I can change my targets as we go."

During the winter, Chilton has spent a lot of time on his fitness as he believes it will be essential at the pinnacle of motor racing.

"You are at the top of the sport - so everything has to be perfect", he explained. "You have to focus on every little bit of fitness as F1 is very physical so you have to build up the neck muscles more because of g-force and the races are about 40 minutes longer than what I am used to, so I have to build up the endurance levels."

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