Bottas fastest Tuesday in Abu Dhabi as McLaren-Honda struggle to get going
Valtteri Bottas topped the charts on the opening day of Abu Dhabi testing.
Photo by: XPB Images
Formula One teams are testing in Abu Dhabi today and tomorrow, just a few days removed from the 2014 season finale at the same circuit. On Day One, it was the Williams of Valtteri Bottas that led the way with a 1:43.396. He led fellow Finnish racer Kimi Raikkonen by over half a second.
Nico Rosberg was third on the time sheets, which of course aren't as meaningful in a test such as this. He completed 114 laps, more than any other driver. 10 cars took to the track today, but the McLaren-Honda machine never actually posted a time with Stoffel Vandoorne.
McLaren has a rough start
Mclaren struggled to get the car going, never emerging from the garage during the morning before making two failed attempts in the afternoon.
Jolyon Palmer was present for Force India, Will Stevens for Caterham, Charles Pic for Lotus, Marcus Ericsson for Sauber, and Max Verstappen for Toro Rosso. Verstappen suffered an accident early, making contact with the barriers due to an apparent suspension issue.
Vettel in Ferrari garage
Carlos Sainz was driving for Red Bull as Sebastian Vettel stood on the sidelines, watching the test from the Ferrari garage. He was precluded from testing with Ferrari after Red Bull blocked the move.
Tuesday Testing Times - Abu Dhabi
1. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1m 43.396s, 80 laps
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1m 43.888s, 81 laps
3. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1m 44.512s, 114 laps
4. Jolyon Palmer, Force India, 1m 45.516s, 37 laps
5. Carlos Sainz, Red Bull, 1m 45.339s, 100 laps
6. Will Stevens, Caterham, 1m 45.436s, 102 laps
7. Charles Pic, Lotus, 1m 46.167s, 89 laps
8. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber, 1m 46.253s, 95 laps
9. Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso, 1m 47.194s, 55 laps
10. Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren, no time, 3 laps
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