Kubica on the pace at Abu Dhabi testing, Alonso on the rails

Robert Kubica (Williams), on whom all eyes are turning at the Pirelli tests organized at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, seems to have shown that he can string together laps at a sustained pace. Despite his handicap in his right hand, the Pole completed 58 loops to finish the first session with the sixth time, just over three seconds behind the benchmark set by Kimi Räikkönen.

Off we go again! #kubica #AbuDhabiTest #F1 pic.twitter.com/LbkYe4GRsa

- WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2017

The teams have not yet really focused on performance, with the gaps being quite significant between the drivers. Romain Grosjean (Haas) was the closest to the Finn, being more than a second behind the SF70H. Nico Hulkenberg (Renault) followed in third place ahead Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull).

Fernando Alonso (McLaren) had a complicated start to the session, with the double world champion causing a red flag by hitting the rail in the last sector. The damage was minimal, the Asturian being able to continue the session to finish eighth behind Oliver Turvey (McLaren).

Nikita mazepin (Force India), Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) and Sean Gelael (Toro Rosso) completed the timing sheet.

Photos from Pirelli testing in Abu Dhabi

Morning results

1. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 1’37”768
2. Romain Grosjean (Haas) 1’39”270
3. Nico Hülkenberg (Renault) 1’39”803
4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1’40”017
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) 1’40”713
6. Robert Kubica (Williams) 1’41”296
7. Oliver Turvey (McLaren) 1’41”914
8. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) 1’41”995
9. Nikita Mazepin (Force India) 1’42”346
10. Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) 1’43”286
11. Sean Gelael (Toro Rosso) 1’45”622