Vettel tops first day of Barcelona test

Published on 17 May 2016 by Stefan Meens

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel topped the first of two days testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Nico Rosberg set the second quickest time in the Mercedes, followed by Jenson Button in the McLaren-Honda.

Not all fastest times were clocked on the same compound, somewhat skewing the running order. Both Vettel and Rosberg set their top times on the soft Pirellis whereas Button completed his on the ultra soft compound.

Earlier in the day, Williams stood out with several radical aerodynamic alterations to their car. Although the adaptations were not legal under current regulations, the changes were made in preparation for the 2017 rules.

Standing out in a negative way, was Sauber. The Swiss outfit struggles financially and has opted to skip the two-day test.

Max Verstappen's team mate Daniel Ricciardo had a productive day. After 89 laps, the Australian finished the day in sixth. On Wednesday, Max will take over Red Bull driving duties from Ricciardo.

Official Formula 1 test - Circuit de Catalunya - Tuesday 17 May

RESULTS DAY 1 
   Driver 	        Team 			Time 		Gap 	        Laps
1  Sebastian Vettel 	Ferrari 		1:23.220 			103
2  Nico Rosberg 	Mercedes 		1:23.337 	+0.117 		119
3  Jenson Button 	McLaren 		1:23.753 	+0.533 		86
4  Romain Grosjean 	Haas F1 		1:23.882 	+0.662 		96
5  Pascal Wehrlein 	Manor F1 		1:24.297 	+1.077 		86
6  Daniel Ricciardo 	Red Bull Racing 	1:24.307 	+1.087 		89
7  Pierre Gasly 	Toro Rosso 		1:24.821 	+1.601 		78
8  Alfonso Celis jr 	Force India 		1:25.467 	+2.247 		99
9  Alex Lynn 		Williams 		1:26.071 	+2.851 		86
10 Esteban Ocon 	Renault 		1:26.530 	+3.310 		104