Vettel and Ferrari improve benchmark at Jerez

Sebastian Vettel improved by almost two seconds its performance from the day before at the winter tests in Jerez (Spain). The pilot Ferrari completed a lap in 1’20”984, relegating the lap to 1”5 Mercedes de Lewis Hamilton. The W06 Hybrid was still the most seen on the track since the reigning world champion completed more than 70 laps at the wheel. The Flèche d’Argent has already completed more than 200 laps without encountering the slightest incident.

Max Verstappen, Felipe Nasr and Valtteri Bottas all follow more than three seconds from the reference. If the Toro Rosso and the Sauber are approaching the milestone of 50 laps contested, the Williams has not yet reached thirty at the end of the first part of the session.

The surprise came from Lotus F1 Team which was able to send its E23 on the track this morning even though it only received its mount the day before. Pastor Maldonado completed a dozen laps at the wheel. On the other hand, McLaren-Honda is still having problems with the MP4-30. Jenson Button was only able to complete five laps. The day is also complicated for Red Bull since Daniil Kvyat damaged the RB11's front wing. The Russian even completed several laps without this element, the Austrian team having not yet received the spare parts.

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

Jerez test times. Mid-day Day 2.

1. Sebastian Vettel? Ferrari? 1’20”984
2. Lewis Hamilton? Mercedes + 1 »506
3. Max Verstappen? Toro Rosso + 3 »183
4. Felipe Nasr? Sauber + 3 »354
5. Valtteri Bottas? Williams +3”939
6. Pastor Maldonado? Lotus + 5 »085
7. Jenson Button? McLaren + 33 »671
8. Daniel Kvyat? Red Bull