VALTTERI Bottas will almost feel at home during tomorrow’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

With no race in his native Finland on the Formula 1 calender, the driver for the Grove-based Williams team is not often the centre of attention amongst the fans.

But with thousands of Finns set to descend on the Hungaroring, near Budapest, this weekend, the 26-year-old can be forgiven for thinking it is his home race.

However, Bottas will be hoping to improve upon yesterday’s first practice session when he could only clock the 12th fastest time.

He said: “The Hungaroring is probably the most intense track compared to the other events it falls around during the season.

“It’s much tighter with many slow speed corners and a very technical track to drive, so definitely not the easiest.

“It’s nicknamed the Finnish Grand Prix because there can be tens of thousands of Finns at the race.

“I always really appreciate seeing the Finnish flag and feeling that support.”

Teammate Felipe Massa fared better in tenth, but Hungary will always have a place in his heart following the reaction to his horror crash in 2009 which resulted in a fractured skull.

The Brazilian said: “I have the most amazing fans there who support me a lot. It’s an amazing place to go back to.”

Kevin Magnussen remains hopeful of turning his season around after going six races without scoring a point for Enstone-based Renault.

The Danish driver said: “It is a little bit difficult to overtake there, but it’s possible to have a good race.

“I’ve had strong performances there in the past, so I hope that will help.”

Banbury-based Haas are equally optimistic, with Romain Grosjean finishing in the points three times from four starts at Hungary.

“I’ve always had a good feeling there,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky to have had cars that have performed well there over the years.”