Pastor Maldonado puts Lotus on top in Barcelona

After some problems this morning, Pastor Maldonado proved that the E23 Hybrid powered by the V6 turbo/hybrid Mercedes had found form. Author of the best time this Thursday in 1’25”011, a time set on soft tires, the Venezuelan is ahead of the Ferrari SF15-T by Kimi Räikkönen (1’25″167). The two pilots also showed themselves faster than the pole position achieved by Lewis Hamilton last year in 1’25”232, proof of the progress made by the 2015 version single-seaters. Red Bull RB11 Daniel Ricciardo completes the podium in 1’25”547. These three drivers are the only ones to have gone below the 1’26 per lap mark.

Behind this trio, we find Sergio Pérez (Force India). The Mexican was not scheduled to drive this Thursday, but was called back to the wheel of the 07 VJM2014 to take the place of German Pascal Wehrlein, who had started his day in Vijay Mallya's team, before replacing Lewis Hamilton, ill, at Mercedes. Felipe Nasr, involved in contact with the Williams by Susie Wolff, the evacuation of the two cars causing a long interruption, took fifth place with his Sauber C34, after having set the best time this morning.

Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) finished sixth and remains the most frequent driver on the track with 94 laps completed. Jenson Button, who did not ride in the afternoon following a problem with the Power Unit of its McLaren- Honda is 7th ahead of Pascal Wehrlein (Force India). The German also took 8th position behind the wheel of the Mercedes. Susie Wolff and Lewis Hamilton bring up the rear.

The second day of testing in Barcelona will begin tomorrow at 9 a.m., and will once again be followed live on AUTOhebdo.fr. Photos of the tests can be viewed here.

Ranking Day 1 Barcelona:

1. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus): 1’25″011? 69 rounds
2. Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari): 1’25″167 – 74
3. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull): 1’25″547 – 59
4. Sergio Pérez (Force India): 1’26″636 – 34
5. Felipe Nasr (Sauber): 1’27″307 – 79
6. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso): 1’27″900 – 94
7. Jenson Button (McLaren): 1’28″182 – 21
8. Pascal Wehrlein (Force India): 1’28″329 – 32
9. Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes): 1’28″489 – 48
10. Susie Wolff (Williams): 1’28″906 – 86
11. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): 1’30″429 – 11