Pre-season testing day 7: Leclerc quickest during morning session

Published on 28 February 2019 by Stefan Meens

Charles Leclerc clocked the fastest lap in the morning session of day seven of the official Formula 1 pre-season test. The Ferrari driver’s 1:16.231 is also the quickest lap set during test thus far. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s Pierre Gasly managed a 1:17.0, completing 44 laps of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Day seven of the pre-season test starts with most teams sending out their cars sporting aero-racks to measure aerodynamic flows. After the first hour, the racks are taken off and the drivers up their pace.

Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Alex Albon is the first driver to set a time in the 1:16s. The rookie uses the softest Pirelli compound on offer (C5) to do so. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc utilizes the grip of the C5s even more by clocking a 1:16.231, the fastest lap of the winter so far.

Meanwhile, Mercedes continue to focus on long-runs with Lewis Hamilton managing 85 laps in the morning, making the reigning champ the most productive driver ahead of the lunch break.

Pre-Season Test 2 - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – Thursday 28 February 2019