Pérez sets fastest Barcelona testlap so far
Another good day for the Sauber F1 Team at the Circuit de Catalunya. In total, Pérez completed 114 laps, including the fastest lap overall of the Barcelona test so far on a set of soft compound tyres.
On his final day of pre-season testing Sergio Pérez did 47 laps in the morning, including a qualifying simulation. After lunch he continued for another 53 laps with further race preparation until rain set in. With a few more runs after the break, including the use of intermediate tyres for the first time this year, the total mileage for today is 114 laps. Tomorrow, Sunday, Kamui Kobayashi will be on duty for his final day of testing before the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship kicks off in Melbourne.
Giampaolo Dall’Ara, Head of Track Engineering: “We completed a good programme today. To simulate qualifying was a good exercise for the team and the driver and all went fine. In the afternoon we also simulated procedures you have for a race start and pit stops during the race. After losing some track time in the early days of pre-season testing, we are now pretty happy with the mileage we have achieved. The team back in the factory obviously contributed a lot to the progress. Tomorrow Kamui will have a similar programme in the morning, but a different one in the afternoon.”
Sergio Pérez: “I am very happy with how my final test day went. We did an intensive programme with qualifying and race preparation, which was important to do. I think we have demonstrated that the car has developed well over the testing period. The team has made the most out of all the information we have collected and certainly is in good shape. Also personally I feel ready for Melbourne.”
Tomorrow, Sunday, will be the final day of 2012 pre-season testing. Kamui Kobayashi will be at the wheel of the Sauber C31-Ferrari.
Weather: Sunny in the morning, overcast with rain in the afternoon, air 10-19°C, track 11-24°C
Chassis / engine: C31.02 / Ferrari 056
Mileage today: 114 laps
Fastest lap: 1:22,094 min (before lunch, soft tyres)
