Mercedes failed to exploit its chance to evaluate its newly introduced aerodynamics into its Formula 1 car at Barcelona.
The testing session by the Formula 1 team was obstructed by the oil pressure problem in the newly built W10.
Final week for pre-season testing has started where Mercedes’ squad reached for their design evaluation before they could launch it for the coming season.
Lewis Hamilton was the first one to be behind the wheels for the car evaluation. He covered 83 laps in the morning. And Bottas was launched to do his part on the team in the afternoon but car went broke.
Mercedes utilized the left over time by replacing engine in its W10. The Finnish were able to make only seven laps before the time ended.
James Allison, Technical Director, explained why they launched the package intended for Australian Grand Prix. He said that low mileage pushed them to change it.
“It was not exactly the day we hoped for, running for the first time with the bodywork kit that we expect to use in Melbourne, with a large part of the day lost to an oil pressure issue at lunchtime,” said Allison.
“Nevertheless, either side of that problem we did do some useful things, finding that the car behaves a little differently with the new package.
“We’re looking forward very much to have a trouble-free day tomorrow to get a better feel for what it can do.”
Hamilton was happy with the improvement that the team made form last week which he appreciated. And he had a positive vibe about it Mercedes.
Bottas applaud his team for a quick shift from one engine to another and was confident for a better reliability as the car had provided “four days of flawless reliability last week”
“The team did a really good job to get the car out again; it was important to get a bit of a feel for the new aero package,” he said.
“My running was obviously very limited, but it seems like we’ve made improvements.”
LECLERC’s TROUBLES
The new title contender Charles Leclerc was only able to run for 29 laps and had to stop on Tuesday.
Ferrari explained his absence from track “because some checks were required on the SF90’s cooling system”.
“We did fewer laps than planned, but I’m sure we can make up for lost work in the coming days,” said Leclerc.
