The first day of tests – almost three months after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix closed last season – started on a damp track and under overcast skies, with most teams spending time running installation laps to check for possible problems.
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A refreshed Lewis Hamilton insists he is prepared for the most gruelling Formula One season of his life as he attempts to deliver a third consecutive world championship for Mercedes.
Hamilton was behind the wheel and covered 156 laps with a best time of 1:25.409, which put him second on the timesheets.
Jenson Button, who is hoping to find a much-improved McLaren after dismal results in 2015, was also on the track.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said the progress so far was positive.
New F1 Haas team drivers Esteban Gutierrez of Mexico, left, and Romain Grosjean of France pose during the official presentation of the new Ferrari-powered VF16 auto at the Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, just outside of Barcelona, Spain, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016.
Ferrari has hit the track, so here is the first look at their new vehicle!
However, after dominating the sport for the past two seasons, Mercedes’ reliability sent another warning shot to the rest of the paddock as Hamilton ran the most mileage with 66 laps before lunch. “I’ve never had a Day One practice like today”. “Who knows where we are going to be first race?” Kevin Magnussen will take over for the last two days of testing on Wednesday and Thursday.
This sort of thing is not unusual – Force India suffered a series of structural failures at the Hungarian Grand Prix last year – but it underlines the steep learning curve Haas will be on this year, despite their close links with Ferrari.
Although this year will have the shortest pre-season testing programme ever, at just eight days, it is far too early to draw any firm conclusions about the season ahead. The vehicle had to be towed back to the garage. There is definitely more to come for the first race.
Sergio Perez was fourth with Force India and Marcus Ericsson fifth with Sauber, which will only debut its 2016 auto when teams return to Barcelona for the final tests of the season on March 1-4.
“We need more competitive racing”, he said.
After a delayed start, new Mercedes engine customers Manor wound up ninth with rookie Pascal Wehrlein – although it was a less successful day for fellow newcomer Jolyon Palmer whose Renault ran into problems and propped up the timesheet.
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A morning meeting of the F1 strategy group, involving the leading teams, will be followed by a full meeting of the F1 commission, involving Bernie Ecclestone, the sport’s chief executive, the FIA president, Jean Todt, race organisers, sponsors, the tyre-makers Pirelli and the teams.
