Private Tests – Barcelona, Day 1: Rosberg Fast and Studious

It was a productive day for most of the drivers involved on this first day of Private Testing, which takes place following the Barcelona Grand Prix.

Winner last Sunday, Nico Rosberg was both the fastest and the most active. After completing 146 laps, the German set a time of 1:24:374, three-tenths faster than his pole time. However, this time was achieved on unmarked tires (the new Pirelli tires), and thus possibly on softs (the pole had been achieved on mediums).

Just two seconds behind are the Sauber of Marcus Ericsson and the Ferrari of young Raffaele Marciello. The Italian, a protégé of the Scuderia, will be stepping into the Sauber as soon as tomorrow.

Daniil Kvyat and his Red Bull once again experienced serious technical issues early in the morning. The Russian stayed in his garage for a long time, having completed only 8 laps, but fortunately made up for it later on.

Before unveiling the Red Bull tomorrow, Pierre Gasly, on his part, crossed the finish line of the Barcelona circuit 131 times. The experience gained will matter much more than the seventh final time.

At the wheel of the McLaren-Honda, Oliver Turvey had to test many new features, which did not allow him to complete as many laps as his fellow drivers.