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As it happened: Test day one
By Pablo Elizalde and Matt Beer
The live commentary has ended. No further updates will be posted.
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FASTEST TIMES |
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P |
Driver |
Team |
Time |
1 |
Grosjean | Lotus | 1m23.252s |
2 |
Button | McLaren | 1m23.510s +0.258 |
3 |
Perez | Sauber | 1m23.820s +0.568 |
4 |
Webber | Red Bull | 1m23.830s +0.578 |
5 |
Rosberg | Mercedes | 1m23.992s +0.740 |
6 |
Vergne | Toro Rosso | 1m24.216s +0.964 |
7 |
Di Resta | Force India | 1m24.305s +1.053 |
8 |
Massa | Ferrari | 1m24.318s +1.066 |
9 |
Petrov | Caterham | 1m24.876s +1.624 |
10 |
Maldonado | Williams | 1m25.587s +2.335 |
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All timing unofficial. Updated: 16:03 GMT |
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OVERVIEW |
DAY ONE |
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CURRENT WEATHER |
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Clear skies |
High Temp: |
16°C / 61°F |
Track: |
Dry |
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Some analysis from @eligp: "I don't think either team is under the illusion that the season will be easy for them. 2011 was already very hard for both and the fact that they are both late with their cars will make the start of the year a real challenge once more.
"Having said that, it's worth noting that both teams are undergoing a significant change to their structures that seems to be a step in the right direction to secure a more compeititive future. Will it work? Only time will tell.
"As for not running in Melbourne, it seems unlikely, but we will have to wait and see. HRT is still aiming to test on Sunday at Barcelona (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97738), something which would be a big help for the team, while Marussia has to pass the final crash test before it can run."
HRT isn't here today, but is hopeful of bringing its 2012 car down to the circuit on Sunday. After that, the team can still undertake a 'filming' day under the regulations. Although that would mean limiting the running to 100km (60 miles ish) and using 2009-spec tyres.
We asked a guy who used to hang around here on AUTOSPORT Live being obsessed with the shiny qualities of medical helicopters but now performs a crucial role for Caterham, and he said: "There are five camera positions, but teams only have to fit three and it's up to each team which three positions they want to use and which two to not use, so if there are differences between cars it's probably that one team chose to put theirs somewhere else."
Expert analysis from AUTOSPORT's @eligp: "Because Spanish food is the best, the people are very nice and the weather is usually great. But I may be biased..."
@NobleF1: Our job of interpreting testing has got harder: Pirelli's latest batch of tyres haven't been coloured up yet - so no one can tell compounds!
@MyCaterhamF1: We need you to help with a team debate from lunchtime - should tomato ketchup be kept in the fridge or the cupboard?
The answer is obvious: Cupboard until you open it. Then fridge
They have come from an unidentified facility, and the test here is simply to make sure that they perform exactly the same as the normal tyres. They are identical in compound and structure to the normal tyres.
You may want to watch that
@ToroRossoSpy: Pit stop practice GO GO GO!