Jerez: Räikkönen in the lead at midday

The first times of the winter tests in Jerez do not yet allow us to have a hierarchy within the paddock for the 2012 season. Proof of this is the best time achieved this morning by the Finn (1'19" 670) with medium tyres, which is two tenths ahead of the best time achieved last year by Rubens Barrichello. If the Brazilian had displayed a good performance on the Spanish circuit, the performances of the Williams FW33 were subsequently far from convincing. Nevertheless, Lotus F1 Team speaks of a very good return and seems satisfied with the first laps of the E20.

Paul di Resta (Force India) is closest to the Finn with 0”102 behind at the wheel of the VJM05. The 2010 champion of DTM ahead of Nico Rosberg (+ 0 »549), who drives the Mercedes W02 for the 2011 season while awaiting the presentation of the W03 on February 21 as a preamble to the first test session in Barcelona. Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) is fourth with the STR7 ahead of the C31 of Kamui Kobayashi (+ 1 »683).

Mark Webber (Red Bull) started late on the track but still set the sixth time (+1”804) with the RB8. The Australian is followed by Jenson Button (+2”696), Felipe Massa (+3”145), Heikki Kovalainen (+3”508) and Pastor Maldonado (+3”701). Pedro de la Rosa brings up the rear with the HRT F111 from the previous season (+4”539). Marussia F1 Team is not present at this session.