Fernando Alonso tops the timesheets on first day of Mugello test – Formula 1 news
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso has topped the timesheets at the first day of the three-day in-season test held at Mugello circuit on May 1.
The Spaniard set the best time of 1 minute 22.444 seconds just before the lunch and took the best advantage of his set of tyres before the rainstorm strike again in the afternoon session. Moreover, he completed 46 laps during the day.
It will be important to mention that the Scarlet team has been working on some major updates so as to enhance the pace of F2012 in 2012 Spanish Grand Prix.
Alonso was followed by Mark Webber of Red Bull Racing who came second after setting his best time of 1 minute and 23.648 seconds. Furthermore, the Australian driver covered 24 laps in his RB8.
Jean-Eric Vergne of Toro Rosso set the third best time of 1 minute and 23.891 seconds after completing 32 laps. The French stayed ahead of Lotus reserve driver, Jerome d'Ambrosio who came fourth after setting his best time of 1 minute and 24.048 seconds.
In addition, d’Ambrosio managed to cover 40 laps during the day.
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg came 5th after setting his best time of 1 minute and 24.100 seconds and completed 49 laps. The German driver was followed by Kamui Kobayashi of Sauber-Ferrari who set the sixth best lap time of 1 minute and 24.736 seconds. Besides,
the Japanese driver covered 48 laps on the first day of the test.
McLaren reserve driver, Oliver Turvey completed 30 laps and came 7th on the timesheets with his fastest lap time of 1 minute and 25.303 seconds. Turvey remained ahead of Jules Bianchi of Force India who set the 8th best time of 1 minute and 25.475 seconds
and completed 19 laps.
Caterham reserve driver Roldolfo Gonzalez covered 35 laps and set the ninth quickest time of 1 minute and 27.197 seconds. Gonzalez was followed by Charles Pic of Marussia who set his best time of 1 minute and 27.359 seconds. Moreover, Pic completed 45 laps
during the day.
Valtteri Bottas, the reserve driver of Williams set the 11th fastest time of 1 minute and 29.179 seconds and covered 28 laps. The British team could not set a competitive time as they remained busy in gathering the data regarding the altered exhaust layout
during the morning session. However, in the afternoon, they switched to their old setup.
Bottas was ahead of McLaren’s Gary Paffett who only completed 4 laps and came 12th with his best time of 1 minute and 50.898 seconds.
The seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher of Mercedes did not register any time and could only cover 5 laps as he was ducking in and out of the pits.
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