Rosberg leads the way on the opening day of the first in-seasin test in Bahrain

(Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

 

 

Mercedes AMG F1 Team's Nico Rosberg topped the opening day of the first in season test at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain. The German, who finished Sunday's race in 2nd place completed 121 laps and had a fastest time of 1m 35.697s. Rosberg finished the day just ahead of Sahara Force India's Nico Hulkenberg who completed 69 laps in the VJM07.

 

Lewis Hamilton will take over for Mercedes on day 2 of the test. Fernando Alonso finished the day in third place for Ferrari as the Italian team work to find a solution to their poor form so far this season. Alonso will continue the test for the team on Wednesday.

 

The Sauber F1 Team split their programme between race driver Esteban Gutierrez and new test and reserve driver Sergey Siroktin. Gutierrez finished the day in fourth place just ahead of the Williams of Valtteri Bottas.

 

McLaren were due to run to test driver Stoffel Vandoorne who was set to make his Formula One debut, however the team elected to run their regular driver's with Kevin Magnussen in action today. The Dane completed 60 laps and finished the day in 6th place just ahead of Red Bull Racing's Daniel Ricciardo.

 

Sauber's Sergey Sirotkin, making his on track debut for the Swiss outfit was 8th fastest. The Russian completed 76 laps and ended the day in 8th place just ahead of Caterham test driver Robin Frijins. Sauber and the Russian should be very satisfied with the rookie's debut in F1.

 

Pastor Maldonado continued to struggle for the Lotus F1 Team as he suffered a problem related to the Renault power unit and could only manage to complete 16 laps in the E22. The team's Director of Trackside Operations Alan Permane said:

 

'Of course, this is frustrating for everyone involved, but our focus is now very much on getting the most we can out of tomorrow'

 

Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat rounded out the timesheets in 11th place however the Russian managed to complete 67 laps for the Italian team and was happy with the 'Productive day'. Testing concludes tomorrow before the team's head to China for the fourth race of the season at the Shanghai International circuit.

 

©Ben Johnston 2014