Jerez, Winter test – Tireless Mercedes

Ended the first four days of test at the Spanish track of Jerez, for teams it is time to come back to the headquarters, starting to analyse all data and prepare the next test, scheduled in Barcelona in a fortnight.

After analysing teams’ work together with Gian Carlo Minardi (read here), we try to sum up all driven kilometres, in order to assess newborn cars reliability. Mercedes World Champions are workaholic for session, gather up 2285 km (516 rounds). Nico Rosberg collects 308 rounds in two days, while the champion in office, Lewis Hamilton, “stops” to 208 rounds.

In second place, left behind with 634 km, we find Sauber (1651 km) with the brand-new pair Ericsson-Nasr. The Swedish driver gather 185 rounds, only three less than his team-mate. A good sign for Maranello, whereas the C34 uses engine of the Prancing Horse. The Brazilian also scores the third fastest time ever in the session.

Third placement for Toro Rosso, Renault-powered, with the younger pair of Circus formed by the rookies Carlos Sainz Jr and Max Verstappen. The team based in Faenza reached 1558 km, thanks to the 182 rounds of the Spanish and the 170 laps of Dutchman.

Fourth placement for Ferrari SF15-T of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel, who closes the first session of collective test with a total reward of 1536 km (748 km less than Mercedes). Kimi Raikkonen ends his work with 198 rounds and the fastest lap (1’20″841), followed by Sebastian Vettel with 149 laps and his time of 1’20″984. Ferrari drivers are the only ones who have broken down the wall of 1’21. At this stage, however, we must tread carefully and lap times should be taken with a grain of salt, as each team get on track with very specific programs.

More outdistanced all the others. Lotus (which has driven one day less) comes back home with 841 km. At the very bottom, there are Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull and Daniil Kvyat, with 730 km and McLaren-Honda, with just 350 km.