Speedy Sebastian Vettel tops testing again in Ferrari
German former world champions makes a promising start to live with Italian team
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel continued his positive start to life with Ferrari by going fastest again on a rain affected second day of pre-season testing in Jerez on Monday.
The German took nearly two seconds off the fastest time he set on Sunday to record a best time of 1min 20.984secs in his 88 laps.
Vettel’s start to the new campaign is in stark contrast to his disastrous test in Jerez, during a troubled final season with Red Bull last year, when he lodged just 11 laps over two days.
It could be worse, especially compared to last year at this stage
“It could be worse, especially compared to last year at this stage,” said the 27-year-old.
“We did a lot of laps, especially today. I think it is normal in winter testing if you see anything running a bit odd to take the time to stop and have a look which unfortunately takes time, but the new engines seem to work well even in these conditions.”
Vettel will hand over the driving wheel on the SF15-T to teammate Kimi Raikkonen for the remaining two days of testing in southern Spain.
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton was only fourth fastest, but Mercedes were again leaders on laps completed as the Englishman did 91 before rain and a water leak from a failed part brought his afternoon to an early end.
