Programme Jenson’s run programme was affected by a gearbox issue – just as he was about to begin a late-morning race simulation run.
The resultant repairs kept the car from the track for much of the day. However, the mechanics were able to get the car running for the final 75 minutes of the session, enabling Jenson to get a long-run under his belt before the chequer.
Speaking at the end of the day, Jenson said:
“We had a problem within the gearbox – it took a while to change, as anything within the power-unit does these days – but we got back out at the end, and everything ran smoothly, which was good. It was a shame to lose that time – it’s the first major issue we’ve had this winter; but it’s better to suffer it here, rather than at a race weekend.
“We were still able to do a long-run on high-fuel this afternoon. The basic car is good, and there’s a great deal of potential there, but there’s still a lot of work to do. We have a good understanding of the power-unit, and we know how to race it, but, in terms of balance and grip, the car isn’t quite there yet.
“But I know we’ve got some good improvements in the pipeline – and they should help us close the gap to the front of the grid.”
1 Sergio Perez Force India 1m 35.570s 108 laps
2 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m 35.634s 122 laps
3 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing 1m 35.743s 66 laps
4 Felipe Massa Williams 1m 36.507s 103 laps
5 Jenson Button McLaren Mercedes 1m 36.901 52 laps
6 Jules Bianchi Marussia 1m 38.092s 75 laps
7 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m 39.041s 89 laps
8 Jean-Eric Vergne Scuderia Toro Rosso 1m 39.636s 61 laps
9 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1m 39.976s 106 laps
10 Pastor Maldonado Lotus 1m 41.613s 31 laps
11 Marcus Ericsson Caterham 1m 42.516s 55 laps
What’s next Kevin Magnussen returns to the cockpit for his final day in the car before Melbourne.
Test dates Four days (February 27-March 2)
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