By Goggs
February 21 2012

Day 1 of the four-day second pre-season F1 test of 2012 concluded with Vettel finishing the day in a familiar spot, the top of the time sheets.  Stressing again that we should all take the testing times with a grain of salt, it is clear that there is some sort of order beginning to take shape.  

We could see Vettel putting in some consistent long runs which should sound a wake up bell to many watching.  Lewis Hamilton in the MP4-27 rounded the circuit 114 times which was only second to Charles Pic in the Marussia (121 LAPS).  Alonso failed to break into the 1.23s, but none of us know exactly what the teams have been working on and what was being tested. 

Team Lotus was out for most of the day with chassis issues. The new Mercedes W03, which was unveiled today, also had some teething issues with hydraulics problems keeping them in the garage for much of the afternoon session.

 

 NOTE: ALL TIMES ARE UNOFFICIAL

1. Vettel  Red Bull 1:23.265 79  LAPS
2. Hulkenberg  Force India 1:23.440  97  LAPS
3. Hamilton  McLaren 1:23.590 114 LAPS
4. Ricciardo  Toro Rosso 1:23.618  76  LAPS
5. Alonso  Ferrari 1:24.100 75  iLAPS
6. Schumacher  Mercedes 1:24.150 51  LAPS
7. Perez  Sauber 1:24.219 66  LAPS
8. Senna  Williams 1:25.711  97  LAPS
9. Kovalainen  Caterham 1:26.035 31  LAPS
10. Grosjean  Lotus 1:26.809  7  LAPS
11. Pic  Marussia 1:28.026  121  LAPS

 

 

You can reach the author @ f1goggs.wordpress.com