Bottas improves Barcelona test benchmark

Valtteri Bottas is the first to go below the 1’20 mark during the winter tests of the F1 in Barcelona (Spain). The pilot of the Mercedes W08 set a time of 1'19''705 with the ultra-soft tires after having already managed to improve the benchmark with the super-soft tyres.

Daniel Ricciardo is the closest to the Finn by being more than a second behind the wheel of the Red Bull RB13. Despite a difficult start to the session where he spun, the only notable incident of the morning, Jolyon Palmer was able to get back in the saddle and complete the top three with the Renault R.S 17. The Australian and the Briton remained on soft tires.

Sebastian Vettel ranks 4th on the Ferrari SF70H after concentrating its tests with medium tires. Marcus Ericsson, who replaced at the last minute Antonio Giovinazzi who should take to the track this Thursday March 2, completed the top five with the Sauber C36 after passing a set of super soft tires.

After leaving the track Lance stroll happened yesterday, Williams was able to quickly rehabilitate the FW40. The Canadian achieved the 6th provisional time of the day, preceding the Force India VJM10 of Alfonso Celis Jr by a few tenths and the McLaren MCL32 Fernando Alonso who was finally able to complete the relays without major problems.

Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) and Romain Grosjean (Haas) completed the timing sheet. The Frenchman was the least diligent this morning, unlike Valtteri Bottas who completed 75 laps without encountering the slightest problem.

F1 test results – Morning Day 3

1. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) – 1’19”705 (ultra soft) – 75 laps
2. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) – 1’21”153 (soft) – 48 laps
3. Jolyon Palmer (Renault) – 1’21”396 (soft) – 51 laps
4. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) – 1’21”609 (mediums) – 69 laps
5. Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) – 1’21”824 (super soft) – 54 laps
6. Lance Stroll (Williams) – 1’22”351 (soft) – 56 laps
7. Alfonso Celis Jr (Force India) – 1’23”781 (soft) – 39 laps
8. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) – 1’23”832 (soft) – 28 laps
9. Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) – 1’23”952 (mediums) – 31 laps
10. Grosjean (Haas) – 1’25”133 (mediums) – 27 laps

Discover AUTO's F1 2017 Guidehebdo available now in digital version on all platforms, and from this Thursday, March 2 on newsstands.