Rosberg fastest on first day of testing

F1 Test, Barcelona, Circuit de Catalunya

Nico Rosberg was easily the fastest man on the first day of testing at Barcelona, more than two seconds clear of Marcus Ericsson in the Sauber. Rosberg also completed most laps, counting 146 at the end of the day.

Behind the regular F1 drivers, GP2 racer Raffaele Marciello completed the day with the third fastest time in the Ferrari. He completed 125 laps for the Scuderia and will switch into the Sauber tomorrow.

Daniil Kvyat was fourth fastest, similarly completing more than 100 laps.

Pastor Maldonado finished the day for Lotus in 5th. Lotus enjoyed a full and productive morning, but ran less in the afternoon due to a loss of power requiring a precautionary end to the day’s running in order to replace the fuel system.

A tenth slower than the Venezuelan was Nick Yelloly, another GP2 driver, stepping into the Sahara Force India for the first time. Pierre Gasly ran for Toro Rosso, also his first real outing in a Formula One car. Gasly will continue in the Red Bull on Wednesday.

Felipe Massa and Williams meanwhile had a low key first day of testing, racking up just 54 laps. The team however stated it completed its complete programme, focusing on car development and tyre degradation.

Slowest of the day was Oliver Turvey in the McLaren Honda. Turvey, the team's test driver, got behind the wheel of the MP4-30 for the first time. McLaren focused on aero correlation in the morning but were delayed until lunchtime due to sensor issues. The day was completed with a suspension programma, as well as undertaking a correlation and validation programme aimed at improving simulation work.