Valtteri Bottas has joined the growing list of drivers welcoming the new 2019 aero regulations as a step forward in generating better racing in Formula 1.

Pre-season testing offered the first opportunity for teams to gain a real understanding of the likely impact from the design changes and optimism is quickly replacing the pessimistic early predictions of several teams and designers.

In the Mercedes driver's case, Bottas believes it will a combination of all the various factors that will make overtaking much more possible.

"You can feel there is more drag and that alone improves slipstreaming because the guy in front is creating a bigger hole in the air," he explained.

"Everyone is talking about the front wing, and I also have the impression that it has become a little easier to follow a car. If you follow now, the car feels more stable and the handling is more predictable.

"But I think the bigger effect will be the (larger) DRS," the Finn claimed. "All in all, I think overtaking will be easier. We are moving in the right direction."

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While the lap times in Barcelona may be misleading because of higher temperatures and grippier tarmac, Bottas also noted: "People also thought the new aerodynamics would slow us down, but I don't believe that either."

Indeed, Sebastian Vettel's 1m16.221s was only a tenth slower than last year's pole position time for the Spanish Grand Prix.