Barcelona Testing – Day 3: Bottas Fastest Before the Break

Bottas used Pirelli’s C5s – the softest compound available – to set a time just three-tenths off his pole position at the 2019 Spanish Grand Prix.

This confirms to us that the pace should be higher this season. Especially since the teams are looking to innovate as Mercedes did with its DAS system.

On its side, Ferrari encountered some issues mid-morning with a breakdown on Sebastian Vettel’s car.

The German was forced to stop at turn 12 after just 90 minutes of running due to an engine problem. Indeed, the Italian team had to change the power unit. The four-time world champion could not return to the track and remains in ninth place with a time of 1:18.384 at 1 p.m.

Max Verstappen was the most productive driver of the morning session with 86 laps aboard his Red Bull RB16.

Antonio Giovinazzi in the Alfa Romeo is currently sixth, ahead of Carlos Sainz Jr. and Romain Grosjean.

Nicholas Latifi also caused a red flag when his Williams FW43 stopped along the pit straight; he finished tenth with a time of 1:19.004.

Drapeau rouge ???? à Barcelone: Latifi obligé d’arrêter sa Williams en bout de ligne droite. Un peu de fumé sort de l’arrière. Il reste 55 minutes de session #F1#F1testing #Barcelone

— Motors Inside – F1 (@MotorsInside) February 21, /f1/actualite/23910-mercedes-teste-un-systeme-mecanique-pour-reduire-la-largeur-du-train-avant.html

The Friday afternoon session will start at 2:00 PM with Pierre Gasly and Lewis Hamilton notably replacing their teammates. Daniel Ricciardo will also take Esteban Ocon’s place. Kevin Magnussen and Alex Albon are also expected to drive in the afternoon.

Results at noon of Day 3 of winter testing in Barcelona: