EL1 in Barcelona: Bottas takes another Mercedes double

The weekends follow one another and are similar. On a Barcelona-Catalunya circuit that the entire field knows like the back of their hand, the Mercedes once again flaunted their implacable superiority. 

At the end of the first 90 minutes of driving of the Catalan weekend, Valtteri Bottas signs the reference for these EL1s in 1’16”785, 39 thousandths ahead of his teammate, and current leader of the Drivers classification, Lewis Hamilton. 

Winner of the last Grand Prix, Max Verstappen confirms that he is the main (only?) rival of the Black Arrows by hoisting his Red Bull-Honda in 3rd place, but 0”939 behind. 

Behind the leading trio, honorable performance from Ferrari with the 4th and 5th beats of Charles Leclerc et Sebastian Vettel respectively. The German, who has a new SF1000 chassis this weekend, is only 11 thousandths behind his Monegasque teammate. 

Romain Grosjean surprises by pointing the muzzle of his Haas VF-20 in 6th position. Back in action after 2 weeks on the sidelines due to a positive Covid-19 test, Sergio Pérez ranks 7th, 3 places ahead of his Racing Point teammate Lance stroll. 

Between the two RP20s, whose brake scoops continue to agitate the paddock, slips the Red Bull ofAlexander albon (8th) and the Haas of Kevin Magnussen (9e). 

Discreet opening session for McLaren and Renault, who are on the doorstep of the Top 10. In the French clan, Esteban Ocon is 12th, 2 places ahead of the other Norman on the board, Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri). 

For his first participation in a free session on a Grand Prix weekend, Roy Nissany, test driver Williams who replaced George Russell aboard the FW43, brings up the rear 3''879 behind Bottas' time, but only 3 tenths of Bottas' time. Nicholas latifi on the highest ranked Williams. 

The only worry in the Mercedes clan: the collision between Bottas and a bird crossed on the track. More fear than harm. For the Finn anyway.