Jerez: Rosberg and Mercedes in the lead at midday

Nico Rosberg and Mercedes F1 have started the winter tests in Jerez (Spain) on the right foot. At the wheel of the W06 Hybrid presented officially this morning, the German set the first reference time with a lap completed in 1'23"106 with medium tires. The best time achieved last year on this circuit by the McLaren MP4-29 from Kevin Magnussen (1’23”276) is already beaten. The star-studded car was also the most diligent on the track with 60 laps covered.

Daniel Ricciardo and Marcus Ericsson are the closest even if they are more than a second behind the Mercedes. The Sauber driver was the second most active on the track but only covered half the distance covered so far by the W06 Hybrid. The Swede was also the author of the only interruption following a spin without consequences. There Red Bull covered 22 laps after encountering mechanical issues with smoke coming from the RB11 also presented at Jerez. Valtteri Bottas, Sebastian Vettel, and Carlos Sainz Jr follow more than two seconds from the reference.

McLaren-Honda only completed a few installation laps with Fernando Alonso. As for Lotus F1 Team, the team is waiting to receive the E23 which left only yesterdayenstone (Britain).

Discover the photos of the winter tests in Jerez by clicking on this link.

Jerez test times at midday. Day 1.

1. Nico Rosberg? Mercedes? 1’23”106? 60 rounds
2. Daniel Ricciardo? Red Bull + 1 »535? 22 rounds
3. Marcus Ericsson? Sauber + 1”698? 30 rounds
4. Valtteri Bottas? Williams +2 »061 ? 9 rounds
5. Sebastian Vettel? Ferrari +2 »658 ? 9 rounds
6. Carlos Sainz Jr? Toro Rosso +2 »975 ? 20 rounds
7. Fernando Alonso? McLaren? 6 rounds
8. Pastor Maldonado? Lotus