Maldonado quickest on Day 3 in Barcelona

Williams, Mercedes and Sauber topped the timesheets in Formula One pre-season testing overnight. Pastor Maldonado was the fastest of all setting a best lap of 1:22.391, almost one full second quicker than Michael Schumacher. Maldonado’s time is currently the benchmark after three days of testing in Barcelona.

Most teams focused on longer running during Day 3 with Schumcaher safely tucking away a 59 lap stint. Despite managing 97 laps Mark Webber’s day was interrupted by a transmission failure which brought an end to a planned race simulation.

There’s one more day remaining for the teams in Barcelona. They will enjoy a short recess before returning to Barcelona for one final pre-season test window (1–4 March) ahead of the opening race in Melbourne (18 March).

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 3)

1. Maldonado, Williams – 1m22.391s (106 laps)
2. Schumacher, Mercedes – 1m23.384s +0.993 (127 laps)
3. Kobayashi, Sauber – 1m23.582s +1.191 (99 laps)
4. Button, McLaren – 1m23.918s +1.527 (114 laps)
5. Vergne ,Toro Rosso – 1m24.433s +2.042 (78 laps)
6. Webber, Red Bull – 1m24.771s +2.380 (97 laps)
7. Massa, Ferrari – 1m24.771s +2.380 (84 laps)
8. Di Resta, Force India – 1m25.646s +3.255 (83 laps)
9. Glock, Marussia – 1m26.173s +3.782 (108 laps)
10. Petrov, Caterham – 1m26.448s +4.057 (70 laps)

All Timing Unofficial
*2011 car

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Williams F1/LAT Photographic]