The test sessions in Barcelona should indicate if any of its rivals have made significant gains – or if, again, the fight will be for second place.
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The final test sessions for the 2016 season are scheduled for March 1-4, also in Barcelona.
Speaking to reporters, including FormulaSpy, after 46 laps in the morning, Vettel spoke of his happiness with the vehicle: “The feeling is good, the first impression is fine and we’ve built up nicely over the two days”.
Haas is the first American-led-team in F1 since 1986.
After teasing its new F1 vehicle for days, Mercedes finally revealed the W07 in full on Sunday.
Hamilton’s dominant Mercedes team have won 32 of the last 38 races, and will head into the new season as the favourites to win a third consecutive driver-and-team title.
Sebastian Vettel is sure Ferrari’s SF16-H is a step forward from its predecessor after topping the first day of testing in Barcelona.
“Naturally our goals are growing”, Vettel said. “However, like I said before, it’s just too early to say where we are against the others”. We need to see strong governance and leadership.
Mercedes has dominated the last two F1 seasons, and with no major regulation changes this year, is expected to be the team to catch again.
A year ago each driver could run a maximum of four power units, with the use of anything over and above that leading to grid penalties.
“We’ll make no predictions as to when those wins will come, but I can say without fear of contradiction that every member of our team has worked with truly relentless dedication over the past few months”.
“And the FW37 was already showing clear signs in the second half of a year ago of having reached the limit of its development”, he added. There were even hints at the end of past year Alonso would not drive in 2016 unless given a more competitive auto.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for Formula One”.
The race season is nearing for Formula 1 and all teams are busy unveiling their 2016 challengers and getting pre-season testing underway.
“Our plan for [day one] was to do lots of laps, lots of mileage, and collect data before we head into the next phase – which is looking at performance”. The new Haas team are U.S.-owned but have their European base in England.
“It is a great start to the first day of testing”, Hamilton said. Coming back on the result today, it is nice but it doesn’t mean much.
Renault had relinquished team ownership after the 2009 season and had become an engine supplier.
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“There is a lot of work that has gone into that auto”, he said.
