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F1 Jerez: Lotus ends test on top thanks to Kimi Räikkönen (+photos)

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Antoine Cremer
Kimi Räikkönen (Lotus E21) went quicker than everybody else today, testing ahead of the 2013 Formula 1 season in Jerez, Spain.

Exhaust system of the Lotus E21 (Photo: WRi2)
Exhaust system of the Lotus E21 (Photo: WRi2)

The Finn completed a total of 123 laps over the two days he was behind the wheel of the new Lotus, which turn out to be the last two of the four-day test in Jerez.

Jules Bianchi, Force India VJM06 (Photo: WRi2)
Jules Bianchi, Force India VJM06 (Photo: WRi2)

Second fastest Friday was Jules Bianchi, the Force India reserve driver who is still trying to secure the vacant race seat at the Silverstone-based team.

Triple world champion Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9) posted the third fastest lap of the day, without a single hitch to report.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W04 (Photo: WRi2)
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W04 (Photo: WRi2)

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04), who was limited by brake failures to only 15 laps Wednesday, got another go at his new car, recording a total of 145 laps. His best time was the sixth fastest of day, putting him just in front of Sergio Pérez, who replaced him at McLaren.

The Mexican was seventh fastest aboard McLaren's MP4-28.

Exhaust system of the McLaren MP4-28 (Photo: WRi2)
Exhaust system of the McLaren MP4-28 (Photo: WRi2)

In the Ferrari F138, new development driver Pedro de la Rosa took over from Felipe Massa. The 41-year-old completed 50 laps.

The next pre-season test is to be held February 19-22, in Barcelona, Spain

Jean-Éric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR8 (Photo: WRi2)
Jean-Éric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR8 (Photo: WRi2)


Winter testing, Jerez, Spain, Day 4*
1. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:18.148, 83 laps
2. Jules Bianchi, Force India, 1:18.175, 56 laps
3. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:18.565, 96 laps
4. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:18.669, 142 laps
5. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:18.760, 92 laps
6. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:18.905, 145 laps
7. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:18.944, 98 laps
8. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:19.851, 92 laps**
9. Pedro de la Rosa, Ferrari, 1:20.316, 51 laps
10. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:21.105, 109 laps
11. Luiz Razia, Marussia, 1:21.226, 82 laps
12. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:23.435, 49 laps

Aggregate times
1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:17.879, 227 laps
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:18.148, 123 laps
3. Jules Bianchi, Force India, 1:18.175, 56 laps
4. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1:18.218, 149 laps
5. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:18.565, 198 laps
6. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:18.669, 252 laps
7. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:18.760, 177 laps
8. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:18.766, 162 laps
9. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:18.861, 120 laps
10. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:18.905, 160 laps
11. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:18.944, 179 laps
12. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:19.003, 240 laps
13. Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso, 1:19.134, 153 laps
14. James Rossiter, Force India, 1:19.303, 61 laps
15. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:19.338, 174 laps
16. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:19.502, 178 laps
17. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:19.851, 178 laps **
18. Pedro de la Rosa, Ferrari, 1:20.316, 51 laps
19. Pastor Maldonado, Williams, 1:20.693, 155 laps **
20. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:21.105, 166 laps
21. Luiz Razia, Marussia, 1:21.226, 113 laps
22. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1:21.269, 107 laps
23. Giedo van der Garde, Caterham, 1:21.311, 152 laps

*Unofficial timing
**Using 2012 car

Antoine Cremer
Antoine Cremer
Automotive expert