Button fastest on Day 1 in Jerez

Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-28) has set the fastest time on day one of pre-season testing in Jerez overnight. He put early fuel pump issues behind him to set a time of 1:18.861 late in the day. It’s an impressive result, as well, some eight tenths quicker than Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9) who was second quickest.

Speaking after practice had finished for the day Webber said, “It was pretty good. As Adrian said at the launch, there haven’t been big changes to the regulations this year and the car is an evolution of the one we finished with last season, so there were no big surprises. I think most of the drivers will sit back tonight and think today’s times were pretty competitive.”

2013 F1 pre-season testing – Jerez (Day 1)

1. Jenson Button McLaren – 1:18.861 (37 laps)
2. Mark Webber Red Bull – 1:19.709s +0.848 (73laps)
3. Romain Grosjean Lotus – 1:19.796s +0.935 (54laps)
4. Paul di Resta Force India – 1:20.343s +1.482 (89laps)
5. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso – 1:20.401s +1.540 (70laps)
6. Felipe Massa Ferrari – 1:20.536s +1.675 (64laps)
7. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber – 1:20.699s +1.838 (79laps)
8. Nico Rosberg Mercedes – 1:20.846s +1.985 (14laps)
9. Pastor Maldonado Williams – 1:20.864s +2.003 (84laps)*
10. Giedo van der Garde Caterham – 1:21.915s +3.054 (64laps)
11. Max Chilton Marussia – 1:24.176s +5.315 (29laps)

All timing unofficial
*2012 car

[Pic: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes]