Rosberg quickest on Day 3 at Jerez

The 2011 Mercedes W02 shapes as being the fastest car in F1 in 2012! At least that’s the conclusion after the last two days of testing with Schumacher quickest yesterday and Nico Rosberg 0.8 seconds faster than anyone else overnight.

Don’t forget the W02 has the blown exhaust to aid rear end grip. Mercedes will launch their new car at the next test in Barcelona and are using Jerez as a means to gather data about the new tyres.

Romain Grosjean was the fastest of 2012 cars and by some margin with 0.878 seconds back to Sebastien Vettel.

When Ferrari released their F2012 they said they didn’t mind if their car was ugly so long as it was quick. After a less than stellar start to testing, admitting they are “not happy”, we wonder which will be easier: to change the F2012 and make it look better, or to make it go faster?

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Jerez (Day 2)

1. Rosberg, Mercedes* – 1m17.613s (118 laps)
2. Grosjean, Lotus – 1m18.419s +0.806 (117 laps)
3. Vettel, Red Bull – 1m19.297s +1.684 (96 laps)
4. Hamilton, McLaren – 1m19.464s +1.851 (80 laps)
5. Vergne, Toro Rosso – 1m19.734s +2.121 (79 laps)
6. Perez, Sauber – 1m19.770s +2.157 (48 laps)
7. Alonso, Ferrari – 1m20.412s +2.799 (67 laps)
8. Senna, Williams – 1m21.293s +3.680 (125 laps)
9. Van der Garde, Caterham – 1m23.324s +5.711 (74 laps)

All Timing Unofficial
*Running last year’s car

[Source: Autosport]