Abu Dhabi Test: Vettel tops as drivers turn out at their new teams

Tuesday, 27 November 2018 at 18:24

Formula 1 engines fired up in anger once again at Yas Marina Circuit, in the aftermath of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as teams testing for Pirelli had the opportunity to run their new drivers before the season finally comes to an end - testing included - tomorrow.

The two-day test, following last Sunday’s season-ending race at the circuit, allows teams to try out the 2019 Pirelli range of tyres.

On day one, Sebastian Vettel was fastest in the Ferrari, lapping the venue in a best lap time of 1:36.812 during his 67 lap stint in the car, including a spin during the course of the day. Next up was Valtteri Bottas in the Mercedes.

Lance Stroll turned out in Force India overalls for the first time and ended the day third fastest.

Force India are the only team yet to confirm their 2019 driver lineup, although it is no secret that Sergio Perez will be joined by Stroll, whose billionaire father Lawrence took control of the team in August. An announcement is expected later in the week.

The Canadian has already been replaced at Williams, who have an all-new lineup of returnee Robert Kubica and Formula 2 champion George Russell. They were two seconds down on Stroll's best effort.

But times on the day were meaningless to anyone other than Pirelli, however, there was big interest in drivers, like Stroll, turning out for the teams they will race for next year.

Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion, turned up as a Sauber driver for the first time in 17 years after wrapping up with Ferrari on Sunday. His running ended ahead of time when the car broke down.

Formula Two runner-up Lando Norris was testing for McLaren ahead of the Briton’s race debut next year, with Carlos Sainz in the car on Wednesday after his move from Renault.

Charles Leclerc, Raikkonen’s replacement at Ferrari, is due to test with the Italian team on Wednesday, when Pierre Gasly tests for Red Bull and Daniil Kvyat makes his return to Toro Rosso.

One who won't be on the F1 grid next year was Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of double F1 world champion Emerson, having his first taste of a Formula One car with the U.S-owned Haas team that the 22-year-old has joined as an official test driver.

A technical problem sidelined him for much of the morning, however.