Rookie F1

The drivers woke to find themselves with a damp track to deal with after a burst of overnight rain, and although Button was ahead before lunch Grosjean set the fastest time overall. He proves himself to be something of a day two specialist, as he also set the fastest time in Jerez on the second day. He triggered a red flag earlier in the day but recovered well and commented on how comfortable he felt inside the car.

Button and McLaren concentrated on aero work in the morning and followed up with testing updates later on, and although he finished second he set his time on the medium compound where Grosjean did his on softs. Maldonado came in third with Vettel and Hulkenberg the last drivers to end up sub 1:24.

Sutil’s first day in the car after his appointment was made official went smoothly as he reacquainted  himself with Formula One machinery following  a year away. Riciardo, Chilton and Van der Garde settled in behind as they battled with changeable conditions that interrupted the whole day. Rosberg and Alonso focused on longer runs today with Rosberg happy to take about the wet running experience in the new car, which felt good.