Fernando Alonso dethroned Brawn GP from the top of the timesheets pacing quickest on day two of the final pre-season test in Jerez, Spain.
The Spaniard struggled with the balance of his Renault on Sunday and crashed into Turn 8, writing off most of his morning.
Monday proved to be a more productive day for the double world champion after he completed 103 laps and went quickest on a 1:18.343. His fastest time was enough to keep him ahead of Brawn GP’s Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button.
“I’m happy with the day as we did more than a 100 laps which was our target for my final day of winter testing,” he said.
“This has been the first time we have run on a really hot track and the information we have from today will be very useful for the first few races, which are usually very hot.
“I’m also a bit sad that this is the final test of the year with my test team, but I will see them at the factory soon.
I have to say thanks for the amazing job they have done this winter because we are really well prepared for the new season.
“We can go to Australia knowing that we have maximised the time we had available.”
Brawn GP spent the day working on setup and tyre evaluation with Rubens Barrichello again setting a strong pace to go second quickest on a 1:18.398. Jenson Button ended the day half a second slower than Barrichello after a mechanical problem cut his running short.
Lewis Hamilton began a crucial test for McLaren as the team set about rectifying the aerodynamic problems which they uncovered with their new car in Barcelona.
The defending world champion ended the day fourth quickest over a second slower than Alonso.
Williams’ Nico Rosberg took over from test driver Nico Hulkenberg and was last on a 1:19.783
Today’s times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (B) 1:18.343 103
2. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:18.398 62
3. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:18.892 12
4. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:19.513 85
5. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:19.783 123
All Timing Unofficial
