Two-time Formula 1 World Champion, Spaniard Fernando Alonso provided the Scuderia Ferrari with something to cheer for as he set the fastest time in the fourth and final day of testing at Jerez.
For three days, the Italian team seemed to struggle to get to grips with the new F2012. Alonso and the engineers made it work today as he set the fastest time of the day and the second fastest time of all 2012 machinery during the week.
However, Alonso completed only Ferrari 39 laps today, and only a handful of laps in the afternoon as the team attempted to fix a hydraulic issue.
Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne was second in the Toro Rosso STR7. The Ferrari-powered Italian car has been quick all week in the hands of Daniel Ricciardo and rookie Vergne.
Reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel was third in the Renault-powered Red Bull RB8, just one tenth of a second slower than Vergne.
Vettel finished day on spot ahead of McLaren's Lewis Hamilton in the MP4-27-Mercedes.
Romain Grosjean set the fifth time in the Lotus E20. “We did have a few minor radiator leaks over the course of this test but they were easily identified and we have a solution for Barcelona the week after next,” said Alan Permane, track side operations director.
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| Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso (Photo: WRI2) |
For three days, the Italian team seemed to struggle to get to grips with the new F2012. Alonso and the engineers made it work today as he set the fastest time of the day and the second fastest time of all 2012 machinery during the week.
However, Alonso completed only Ferrari 39 laps today, and only a handful of laps in the afternoon as the team attempted to fix a hydraulic issue.
Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne was second in the Toro Rosso STR7. The Ferrari-powered Italian car has been quick all week in the hands of Daniel Ricciardo and rookie Vergne.
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| Bruno Senna, Williams (Photo: WRI2) |
Reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel was third in the Renault-powered Red Bull RB8, just one tenth of a second slower than Vergne.
Vettel finished day on spot ahead of McLaren's Lewis Hamilton in the MP4-27-Mercedes.
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| Kamui Kobayashi, Sauber (Photo: Sauber) |
Romain Grosjean set the fifth time in the Lotus E20. “We did have a few minor radiator leaks over the course of this test but they were easily identified and we have a solution for Barcelona the week after next,” said Alan Permane, track side operations director.