Test 1, Day 2: Perez puts Racing Point in the spotlights
Day 2 of pre-season testing at Barcelona went underway with AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly making his debut. He was the first to come out on track to get his first real taste with the AT01.
Just 6 minutes later however, the Frenchman has already spun his new toy at Turn 9. Fortunately without damage, so he managed to return safely but slowly back into the pits.
Teams and drivers were a bit less active early on compared to Wednesday, but half an hour in, it was only the Renault with Daniel Ricciardo that had not appeared yet on track. The team noted there was no issue, and 10 minutes later, the Australian indeed went out for a few careful reconnaissance laps.
Howdy folks... it’s a car-shuffle kinda morning! @danielricciardo providing the stylish garage exit. He’s in the #RS20 throughout this morning. Esteban back in this afternoon. #RSspirit #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/pWj7FQ9hBK
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) February 20, 2020
McLaren had a similarly sluggish start to the day, with just 6 laps completed in the first hour. They were out early, but more active in the pits than out of it thereafter.
Let's go! Day two of #F1Testing gets underway at @Circuitcat_eng. 👊#MCL35 pic.twitter.com/Rf2jUtGzYr
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 20, 2020
For Mercedes meanwhile, there was no time to rest. Hamilton soon came up to speed, and by 13:00, the Briton had already rounded the 100 laps marker, more than what they managed on Wednesday morning. The team however weren't in the spotlight because of their high mileage, but instead drew some attention by a moving steering wheel column that adjusts front suspension toe-in.
