Räikkönen improves the reference time of the tests

Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) significantly improved the benchmark time for winter testing in Barcelona by completing a lap of the Catalunya circuit in 1'18''634 with the super soft tyres, becoming the first driver to go under the 1'19 mark. The Finn tried to improve his time with the super soft tires but failed by a few tenths of his performance.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is the closest with 8 tenths behind. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Toro Rosso) completes the leading trio in front Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) who does not seem to have done any qualification simulations.

Nico Hulkenberg (Renault) completes the top five after quickly placing himself at the forefront. The R.S 17 precedes the Force India VJM10 of Sergio Pérez and the Williams FW40 Lance stroll who was the most diligent of the morning.

Romain Grosjean (Haas) ranks 8th after being the author of two interruptions, the first for an accidental exit from the track and the second for a mechanical problem.

McLaren again suffered from power outages on the MCL32. Fernando Alonso was only able to cover 19 laps after stopping twice on track for the same problems that disrupted his teammate Stoffel Vandoorne's test day yesterday. There car from Woking is good last behind the Sauber of Marcus Ericsson who completed the same number of laps as Lance Stroll.

Test results in Barcelona. Morning Day 8

1. Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) – 1’18”634 (super soft) – 46 laps
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1’19”438 (super soft) – 30 laps
3. Carlos Sainz Jr (Toro Rosso) – 1’19”837 (super soft) – 39 laps
4. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) – 1’19”845 (super soft) – 50 laps
5. Nico Hülkenberg (Renault) – 1’19”885 (ultra soft) – 45 laps
6. Sergio Pérez (Force India) – 1’20”116 (ultra soft) – 46 laps
7. Lance Stroll (Williams) – 1’20”335 (soft) – 59 laps
8. Romain Grosjean (Haas) – 1’21”429 (soft) – 40 laps
9. Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) – 1’21”670 (super soft) – 59 laps
10. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) – 1’22”731 (ultra soft) – 19 laps