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F1 winter testing: Lewis Hamilton tops wet final day of Barcelona test (+photos)

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Antoine Cremer
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) topped the timing charts Friday, in Barcelona, Spain, as the second pre-season venue wrapped up under changing skies.

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

The track was still damp from earlier showers when the drivers ventured out in the morning, on intermediate tires. The Circuit de Catalunya eventually dried off, but was hit by rain again later.

Jenson Button, McLaren MP4-28 (Photo: WRi2)
Jenson Button, McLaren MP4-28 (Photo: WRi2)

Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-28) set the second fastest time behind his former teammate, followed by Jean-Éric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8), Jules Bianchi (Force India VJM06) and Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32).

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

Neither Williams drivers got to set a time, instead, they concentrated on rehearsing pit stops. Also, their FW35's legality is still making the headlines, the focus this time is on the brake ducts.

Jules Bianchi (Photo: WRi2)
Jules Bianchi (Photo: WRi2)

At Marussia, for the fourth consecutive day, it was Max Chilton who drove the MR02. The reasons why Brazilian Luiz Razia was pushed aside are still unclear at the moment.

Felipe Massa, Ferrari F138 (Photo: WRi2)
Felipe Massa, Ferrari F138 (Photo: WRi2)

The teams will now be preparing for the upcoming Barcelona test of next week, the final pre-season venue before the drop of the first flag, March 17, in Australia.

Mark Webber, Red Bull RB9 (Photo: Red Bull Racing)
Mark Webber, Red Bull RB9 (Photo: Red Bull Racing)


2013 F1 winter testing, Barcelona day 4, February 22*
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'23"282 - 52
2 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-28-Mercedes) - 1'23"633 - 70
3 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'24"071 - 80
4 - Jules Bianchi (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'25"732 - 61
5 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'26"239 - 96
6 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'27"429 - 50
7 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'27"553 - 74
8 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'27"616 - 64
9 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'29"902 - 51
10 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'34"800 - 41
11 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - no time - 23
12 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - no time - 13
*Unofficial timing

Esteban Gutierrez (Photo: WRi2)
Esteban Gutierrez (Photo: WRi2)



Antoine Cremer
Antoine Cremer
Automotive expert