Gutiérrez gets first test of Pirelli wets

F1 Test, Barcelona, Circuit de Catalunya

With low temperatures, light rain in the morning and heavier rain, including hale, after mid-day , the final day of testing was far from ideal for Sauber. However, Esteban Gutiérrez used most of the time to gain experience with the Intermediate and Full Wet tyres. He was able to complete 96 laps.

Tom McCullough, Head of Track Engineering : "As forecast, the final day of the test was dominated by intermittent rain showers. During the short dry spell in the morning we were able to complete an important aero test giving us useful data in preparation for next week’s test. For the rest of the day we gave Esteban plenty of running with the Intermediate and Full Wet tyres in preparation for the season ahead.”

Esteban Gutiérrez: "It was a very interesting day for me as well as for the team, because it was important to get some experience in wet conditions. For me it was the very first time I had driven a Formula One car in the wet. It was particularly interesting in the morning, when the track was wet to begin with and then started to dry out. I was able to drive with dry tyres in very tricky conditions, which was a situation I could experience in a race. It was important for me to feel this change in conditions. In the afternoon I got the opportunity to compare the Intermediate tyres with the Full Wets. I learned so much today. This was just what I needed.“

Testing will be resumed on February 28th. Esteban will run on days one and three, and Nico on days two and four.