Mercedes AMG F1 kept its line at Jerez

Mercedes AMG F1 didn't even think he'd be able to achieve it: Nico Rosberg was able to complete a race simulation on the final day of testing at Jerez, completing a total of 91 laps before handing over the wheel to his teammate Lewis Hamilton who continued the tests in the afternoon. In total, the Brackley team was the most diligent on the track, covering 1368km alone, while the V6 Mercedes units covered a total of 2116km with the client teams.

“It’s a bit surprising to have been able to complete so many laps today and throughout the week”, comments Nico Rosberg. “We can be very satisfied with this racing simulation. We preferred that I give up my place to Lewis in the afternoon in order to balance the driving between the two of us. This is a normal decision on the part of the team. » New Team Principal Paddy Lowe is also happy with this session. “In soggy conditions this morning, Nico completed a basic stint before beginning a 74-lap race simulation with the intermediate tires which included two stops. There was no foul committed. »

Lewis Hamilton continued testing in changing conditions on a drying track. Nevertheless, the 2008 world champion was able to add 41 laps to the Silver Arrow clock. “I was missing a bit of riding this week and it was good to spend more time in the car this afternoon ", adds the 2008 world champion who ended the day with the fifth time of the session (1'30"822) 2"5 behind Felipe Massa's time. “It’s been a fantastic week for the team. We did a lot of laps with the car and it was a real success. It's hard to talk about it so early, but the car seems pretty competitive at the moment. As usual, we have a lot of work after this week, even a little more than in other years with the new challenge that this season represents. We must continue our efforts and wait for the next tests in Bahrain (February 19-22). »