Mercedes GP Jerez test notes day one

Track                           Circuito de Jerez

Driver                 Nico Rosberg

No of Laps                      57 laps

Best Lap Time          01:20.927

Kilometres Covered     252 km

Track Length           4.428km

Weather                         Rain showers

Ambient Temperature    Maximum 13C

Track Temperature              Maximum 14C

Formula One's second pre-season test got underway in Jerez today for the first of eight days of testing at the Spanish circuit in the next eleven days. Nico Rosberg began the test for the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team and will alternate the driving responsibilities with team-mate Michael Schumacher.

With rain showers predicted throughout the test, the first downpour arrived after only an hour of running this morning and the conditions remained wet throughout the day. Nico had time to complete a couple of short runs in the dry before the rain arrived and the test programme was changed accordingly.

Using the Bridgestone Potenza wet and intermediate tyres, Nico gave the MGP W01 car its first run-out in wet conditions, completing 57 laps over the day. Nico's fastest time of 01:20.927 which was top of the timesheets was set in the dry this morning.

Michael will take over at the wheel of the MGP W01 tomorrow for the second day of the test.

Nico Rosberg: "The car felt very good today. Compared to Valencia where I was sitting too low which affected my visibility and the set-up wasn't perfect, today I felt really comfortable and I could push so it was an enjoyable day and a good start to the test for me. Our objective here is to learn as much as possible, put miles on the car and engine to check the reliability and to make progress on our set-up work. The rain is a little frustrating but the car feels good to drive and that's what's important."

-source: mercedes gp