Former Michael Schumacher team-mate Nico Rosberg recovered from another disrupted start for Mercedes and their W04 to set the pace on a competitive day one of the Barcelona test.
The final hour at the Circuit de Catalunya witnessed a flurry at the top of the timesheet with all four of what would stand as the day’s fastest times set in quick succession across short runs on the medium tyre.
Although world champion Sebastian Vettel, having led the way on the hard tyres from the late morning onwards, lowered his own benchmark to 1:22.952, Rosberg had further speed in hand and chiselled three tenths of a second off of that time to give Mercedes their first day at the head of the timesheets this winter.
The German’s ascent to the top of the order was all the more impressive given he had earlier spent several hours in the team’s garage while they worked on a gearbox issue, which had left him marooned on 14 laps as the field broke for lunch.
However, once back out on the circuit and into the early afternoon sun, Mercedes enjoyed a more productive afternoon and Rosberg’s eventual 1:22.616 time was enough to seal opening day honours for the Silver Arrows. – skysports
