The F1 Reader

Day 1 program:

• The morning program included system and electronic checks, with all cars running several installation laps before posting some times. 
• Before lunch time, teams conducted several aero measurements. Most teams ran the typical 4 to 5 laps, pitting and heading out again for another 4 to 5 laps. Several cars featured flow-vis paint to gather data on aero elements: sidepods, front and rear wings, DRS, etc. 
• After lunch time, setup work was the primary focus, followed by another round of aero testing. Several cars conducted straight line tests, which involves letting the car flow in a straight line without accelerating. All teams practiced pit lane starts.
• Late in the afternoon, teams were experimenting with slightly longer runs, with Mark Webber and Romain Grosjean doing as much as 11 laps per stint.  

Day 1 highlights:

• First red flag caused by Jenson Button. The McLaren suffered a fuel pump failure and stopped on the track. The issue was resolved late in the afternoon.
• Second red flag caused by Nico Rosberg. The Mercedes suffered an electrical failure and stopped on the track. The issue was not resolved and the team lost the rest of the day with Rosberg completing just 11 laps. 
• Third red flag caused by Max Chilton. The Marussia suffered a suspension failure and the car spun into the gravel, hitting the barriers. It suffered enough damage for the team to end their test day.

Day 1 impressions:

• McLaren did a low fuel run in the final hour and posted the fastest time, which suggests that the car has the potential pace of its predecessor. Reliability problems still seem to be a concern for the team. 
• Red Bull did a medium fuel run in the final hour, and Mark Webber recorded the second fastest time, 0.800s off the pace. An encouraging sign for the team, with no problems so far like in last year's testing. 
• Lotus completed a rather average 54 laps, but the car does look as good as last year. Grosjean posted a quick time in the morning when temperatures and grip levels were low, which suggests that the car still has the pace from last season. 
• Force India showed signs of potential for speed and reliability. Paul di Resta completed a mammoth 89 laps, most of anyone in the session, with quite consistent times and reliability. 
• Toro Rosso also showed signs of life with Ricciardo finishing 5th and running a respectable 70 laps without any problems. 
• Ferrari kept a low profile with the team stating that they were not looking for quick laps. Massa stated that the car is miles better from last year, and from the times it certainly looks that way. 
• Caterham and Marussia still seem a very long way off the pace finishing 3 and 4 seconds respectively off the pace.