By James Broughton, November 26, 2014
Stoffel Vandoorne was only able to complete a few installation laps in an interim McLaren-Honda MP4-29H/1X1. Nico Rosberg fared better managing to complete 144 laps.
Honda’s motorsport boss, Yasuhisa Arai, wasn’t too overly concerned with the days trails and tribulations. “This week’s test is really all about performing some fundamental systems checks on the engine before we begin testing in earnest next February,” he said. “When I was at Jerez earlier this year, I noticed just how many issues the teams faced in readying these turbo engines, so we really wanted to get those initial checks under our belts before winter testing starts in 2015. “The engine we used today is still under development – it’s not for the actual race – and we’re on schedule to develop it further ahead of the forthcoming season. There are a few more steps coming before Australia. “We’re making good progress for the new season as one team.” As the second day begins McLaren Honda are again suffering from the same electrical issues. Abu Dhabi F1 Test, 25-26 November 2014, day 1 times;Driver | Car | Best time | Laps | Difference | |
1 | Valtteri Bottas | Williams-Mercedes FW36 | 1’43.396 | 79 | |
2 | Kimi Raikkonen | Ferrari F14 T | 1’43.888 | 81 | 0.492 |
3 | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes W05 | 1’44.512 | 114 | 1.116 |
4 | Jolyon Palmer | Force India-Mercedes VJM07 | 1’44.516 | 37 | 1.120 |
5 | Carlos Sainz Jnr | Red Bull-Renault RB10 | 1’45.339 | 100 | 1.943 |
6 | Will Stevens | Caterham-Renault CT05 | 1’45.436 | 101 | 2.040 |
7 | Marcus Ericsson | Sauber-Ferrari C33 | 1’46.253 | 95 | 2.857 |
8 | Charles Pic | Lotus-Renault E22 | 1’46.827 | 89 | 3.431 |
9 | Max Verstappen | Toro Rosso-Renault STR9 | 1’47.197 | 54 | 3.801 |
10 | Stoffel Vandoorne | McLaren-Honda MP4-29H/1X1 |