Hamilton tops the times as first Barcelona test comes to a close - The first week of testing draws to a damp close with McLaren leading
Published by Christine
The final two days of testing in Barcelona this week could not have been more different, with Thursday at the Circuit de Catalunya cold but sunny. Friday saw the clouds cross the circuit and the rain came down, giving some drivers the chance to try out the intermediate tyres, and others the chance for a rest.
Williams, in particular, ran both Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas on the final day, but neither driver set a lap time, preferring to complete pit stop practice instead.
Lewis Hamilton finished the damp day of testing with the fastest time, taking over the top spot from Fernando Alonso who was fastest on Thursday.
Giedo van der Garde put in a strong performance to lift Caterham off the bottom of the timesheets, where they have been all this week - he finished the day sixth overall, ahead of a Red Bull and a Ferrari. Also notably, Romain Grosjean completed 41 laps, was 11 seconds off the pace, but Lotus seemed okay with that, describing his day as “leisurely.” Nice work if you can get it!
Testing continues next week, with the final four days in Barcelona.
