Rookie F1

Jerez Testing: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4

Just on laps alone Sauber cut a lone figure on the huge number they collected, with Mexican rookie Gutierrez completing the most overall with di Resta close behind. Massa, Raikkonen and Bianchi take the top three spots in terms of fastest overall times across all four days, with Massa setting his on the third day and Raikkonen and Bianchi both doing theirs on the last day of testing.

Although both Lotus drivers topped the timing sheets, they are known for being quick around the Jerez track, so whether these times are indicative of their season ahead remains to be seen. Mercedes had a rough start to proceedings with two successive days of sessions ending issues, however once they were resolved both Hamilton and Rosberg made up for lost time.

Williams had originally planned to bring the 2012 car with them to Jerez and focus on testing a few components and getting the drivers to acclimatise to the new tyre compounds instead. Although it may have frustrated their drivers not to spend the four days understanding the car they hope to challenge the field with, it may not have been in vain.

Alonso chose not to attend the Jerez, the exact details have not been made entirely clear but considering the comments Paul Hembery made about the nature of the circuit, it may have been a smart move. Much like Williams decisions above. “It’s gone right off the scale of the macro. It’s most the bitumen aspect of it, it’s worn away, so you’re left with almost the rocks, the stones and the gravel almost on its own with nothing in between.” He also added that the track is more abrasive than any other they attend throughout the year, and that it had gotten worse since last year.

Naturally there was a lot of focus on the new Red Bull car and on times alone here they weren’t setting the timing boards alight which may give other drivers hope, but being known for not giving everything away should be remembered. So with two more sessions in Barcelona to consider, it not panic stations for either side of the fence yet. But there are encouraging signs from the sister garage, however this happened last year and the car only showed flashes of brilliance.

Where Marussia revealed their new driver when testing commenced, Force India has yet to indicate who will be joining di Resta for the 2013 season. Sutil has always been a strong contender having driven for the team before, and Bianchi has made his feelings clear about claiming the seat for himself. However reports have surfaced that former HRT driver Karthikeyan is in the frame with significant backing from Tata to aid his cause.