GP Spain: Free practice 1 & 2

1. L. Hamilton, McLaren, 1:21.134 (21 laps)
2. J. Button, McLaren, 1:21.672 (14 laps)
3. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, 1:21.716 (12 laps)
15. V. Liuzzi, Force India, 1:23.284 (19 laps)

1. S. Vettel, Red Bull, 1:19.965 (24 laps)
2. M. Webber, Red Bull, 1:20.175 (35 laps)
3. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, 1:20.757 (28 laps)
12. V. Liuzzi, Force India, 1:21.904 (32 laps)

Free practice for this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix got underway today at an unseasonably chilly Circuit de Catalunya. Tonio and Paul di Resta were on driving duties for the opening 90 minute session, putting the VJM03, complete with new aero upgrades, through its paces.

Tonio posted the 15th time, making just two runs as part of his planned programme. Unfortunately he flat spotted his front right tyre on his first run out and although able to improve, could not get the optimum laptime with the compromised tyres.

He commented: “Overall today was good. In the morning we had a bit of a problem as I got a flat spot on my front right tyre on my first run. As we only use one set of tyres in this session, it affected the second run as it changed the balance of the car and we couldn’t really set a representative time or test too many things. In the afternoon though we did some good work on each of the runs with a few different settings with different fuel levels, so the way we need to go is quite clear. We are suffering a little with understeer so we have some changes to make for tomorrow but in general it’s not too bad. I think we will perform well in qualifying tomorrow.”