Kimi Räikkönen ups the pace in Barcelona

Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) was busy this morning at the winter testing in Barcelona. The Finn tested the new Halo system which protects the driver's head before setting impressive times on soft tires. But it was with the ultra-soft tires that the 2007 world champion achieved the best test time on the Catalunya circuit, which he completed in 1'22"785. This is 45 thousandths less than the previous reference achieved by his teammate Sebastian Vettel last week.

Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) and Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) are the closest to the SF16-H after also testing the purple sidewall tires. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) ranks fourth after focusing on rolling. The vice-world champion was the most diligent with 80 laps on the clock.

Felipe Nasr (Sauber) completes the top five in his Sauber C35 which precedes the McLaren MP4-31 from Fernando Alonso and Red Bull RB12 by Daniil Kvyat. Felipe Massa (Williams) is eighth ahead of Jolyon Palmer (Renault) author of an exit from the track without major consequences.

Romain Grosjean (Haas) was able to complete the laps this morning following new problems encountered on the VF-16 which this time were not linked to the Power Unit. The Frenchman caused a red flag by leaving the track at the end of the session. Pascal Wehrlein (Manor) completes the list.

Ranking Day 7 Barcelona at 13 p.m.:

Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari): 1’22”765 (41 laps)

Nico Hülkenberg (Force India): 1’23”251 (49)

Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso): 1’23”626 (59)

Nico Rosberg (Mercedes): 1’24”126 (81)

Felipe Nasr (Sauber): 1’24”760 (37)

Fernando Alonso (McLaren): 1’24”870 (57)

Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull): 1’25”141 (62)

Felipe Massa (Williams): 1’25”420 (46)

Jolyon Palmer (Renault): 1’27”182 (26)

Romain Grosjean (Haas): 1’28”442 (59)

Pascal Wehrlein (Manor): 1’28”476 (19)