For the first time since testing started last week, Mercedes ended the day’s running fastest. The session ended early, after Magnussen stopped out on track with an issue. Despite a problem just before lunch, Alonso managed 93 laps and ended the day 3th fastest.
Results:
- Rosberg – 1:23.022, 82 laps
- Bottas – 1:23.229, 123 laps
- Alonso – 1:24.735, 93 laps
- Raikkonen – 1:24.836, 72 laps
- Kvyat – 1:25.049, 69 laps
- Hamilton – 1:25.051, 89 laps
- Verstappen – 1:25.176, 144 laps
- Hulkenberg – 1:25.336, 121 laps
- Nasr – 1:25.493, 103 laps
- Magnussen – 1:25.760, 119 laps
- Gutierrez – 1:26.661, 23 laps
- Haryanto – 1:27.625 , 45 laps
Mercedes were strong, totalling 172 laps, Rosberg set the fastest time of the day in the morning, before handing over to Hamilton this afternoon. Second-placed Bottas was close but on the ultra-soft compound. Surprisingly, Alonso went third fastest on the soft tyres, ahead of Ferrari who had reliability issues.
Toro Rosso had a good day with Verstappen completing 144 laps, more than any other driver. Nasr also had a trouble-free day in the new Sauber, on its first run. A good day for Renault saw Magnussen do 119 laps before stopping on track with just 5 minutes to go.
For Haas, the day was disappointing. Gutierrez managed just 23 laps after a fuel system issue. Manor were bottom of the timesheet and completed just 45 laps.
For news on test 1, click here.