Alfa Romeo most productive on day four of pre-season test, Renault quickest

Published on 21 February 2019 by Stefan Meens

On the final day of the first Formula 1 pre-season test, Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi clocked the most laps of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (154) whilst Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg set the fastest lap of the week (1:17.393). Pierre Gasly, taking over Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driving duties from Max Verstappen, completed 146 laps with a fastest effort of 1:18.780.  

Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) kicked off the afternoon with several short runs on the C3 Pirelli compound resulting in an 1:18.1, a time he beat on the C5 tyre later in the session. Meanwhile, not every team is making progress. George Russell (Williams) and Nico Hulkenberg remain in garage the first hour of the afternoon session.

Charles Leclerc, now driving for Ferrari after a season at Sauber, is the first driver to complete a centenary of laps. In the end, the Monegasque drives 138 laps. Both Honda-powered teams, Scuderia Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing bank plenty of laps. Alexander Albon managed 136, whilst Pierre Gasly did 146.

Next Tuesday, 26 February, the ten teams continue their preparations for the 2019 campaign in the second and final pre-season test.

Pre-Season Test 1 - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – Thursday 21 February 2019