George Russell Leads the Third Day of Testing in Barcelona
The British driver for Mercedes, George Russell, has set the fastest time during the morning session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. 🏎️ This third day of preseason testing has allowed teams to work with lower ambient temperatures, providing valuable data under different conditions.
An Intense Program for Mercedes
Russell completed 58 laps at the wheel of the W15, a single-seater that the German team has subjected to a rigorous work plan. The main focus has been on evaluating how the car responds with various aerodynamic settings and different types of tires. The cooler track compared to previous days has been a key factor for collecting useful information ahead of the championship start.
Teams Present in the Session:- Mercedes: Program focused on configurations with George Russell.
- McLaren: Track debut of the new MCL40 with Lando Norris.
- Ferrari and Aston Martin: Mileage accumulation with Sainz and Alonso respectively.
- Red Bull and Williams: Work oriented toward verifying reliability and adjusting car parameters.
The session proceeded without significant technical issues, a positive first step for the team. - McLaren Statement.
The Debut of the McLaren MCL40
One of the highlights of the day was the first outing of the McLaren MCL40, driven by Lando Norris. The Woking team opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing the driver's adaptation to the new vehicle and checking its basic systems. Although they did not aim to set a fast time, the team positively valued the absence of mechanical problems.
Observed Testing Strategies:- Accumulate laps: To gather the maximum data on the single-seater's behavior.
- Test tires over long distances: An essential tactic for planning pit stops during races.
- Verify reliability: Ensure all components withstand the stress of competition.
A Crucial Testing Ground
These days in Montmeló serve as a fundamental testing ground before the World Championship begins. While some teams showcase their speed potential, others dedicate efforts to optimizing tire performance over many laps, a less flashy but decisive job for success during the season. 📊 The information obtained these days will be vital for fine-tuning the cars in the first race.