Pirelli Test Day 1: Raikkonen quickest, plenty of laps for Kubica

Published on 28 November 2017 by Stefan Meens

Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) was quickest on the first of the two-day Pirelli tyre test at the Yas Marina Circuit. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Romain Grosjean (Haas F1) were the most productive drivers with each completing 136 laps.

Although the main goal of the test is to try the 2018 Pirelli compounds, Williams took the opportunity to test Robert Kubica. The Polish driver is still a contender for the remaining seat next to Lance Stroll. Kubica managed 100 laps, without any physical issues.

Most teams used the test to try now parts for the 2018 season. Additionally, teams ran halos (mandatory for next year) as well as plenty of aero rakes and flow viz paint to gather as much data as possible going into the winter break.

Apart from one red flag, caused by Fernando Alonso parking his McLaren in the tyre barriers, the day’s testing passed by uneventful. 

Pirelli Test Day 1 - Yas Marina Circuit - Tuesday 28 November

01 K. Raikkonen    Ferrari           1:37.768 99
02 D. Ricciardo    Red Bull Racing   1:38.066 109
03 L. Hamilton     Mercedes          1:38.551 136
04 R. Grosjean     Haas              1:39.270 136
05 L. Stroll       Williams          1:39.580 29
06 F. Alonso       McLaren           1:39.762 115
07 N. Hulkenberg   Renault           1:39.803 85
08 N. Mazepin      Force India       1:39.959 90
09 R. Kubica       Williams          1:41.296 100
10 S. Gelael       Toro Rosso        1:41.428 117
11 M. Ericsson     Sauber            1:41.661 97
12 O. Turvey       McLaren           1:41.914 105