Highlights from Day 3 of the Barcelona Shakedown
Day 3 of the Barcelona Shakedown concluded, marking a significant point in the five-day event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The day was filled with action as teams and drivers focused on fine-tuning their preparations for the upcoming Formula 1 season.
Teams and Drivers on Track
Wednesday began energetically, with George Russell from Mercedes being the first to take to the circuit, followed closely by rookie Arvid Lindbald of Racing Bulls, who experienced his inaugural laps. Other drivers making their debuts included Franco Colapinto for Alpine, Ollie Bearman in the Haas, and Nico Hulkenberg for Audi.
McLaren, led by World Champion Lando Norris, was also active, showcasing their newly built car. As the morning progressed, teams accumulated significant track mileage, especially Russell, Lindbald, and Colapinto.
Afternoon Session Highlights
In the afternoon, Kimi Antonelli took over driving duties for Mercedes, while Pierre Gasly marked his first laps for Alpine. The session saw multiple cars on the track as the weather improved, culminating in another productive day before the chequered flag waved.
Remaining Teams and Days
- Aston Martin has yet to start their program and will run on Thursday and Friday.
- Williams confirmed their non-participation in the event, with their car passing all crash tests for the upcoming Bahrain pre-season test starting February 11.
- Teams such as Red Bull, Mercedes, and Alpine have one day left of permitted shakedown running, while Cadillac and Ferrari can continue for both remaining days.
Driver Insights
After the day’s running, George Russell expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the substantial mileage achieved. He noted the chilly track temperatures and suggested potential qualifying-style runs for the remaining day, contingent on weather conditions.
Kimi Antonelli echoed Russell’s sentiments, stating that Wednesday was more enjoyable compared to earlier days due to increased track time. The focus was on gathering data and completing their testing program.
Lindbald, reflecting on his first day, was thrilled with the extensive laps covered. He thanked his team and emphasized the importance of the day’s positive outcomes.
Norris shared his excitement about debuting the McLaren MCL40, remarking on the progress made in bringing the car together. He noted the differences in handling and performance compared to previous seasons.
Bearman and Gasly also discussed their experiences, focusing on acclimatizing to their new cars and strategies. Gasly highlighted the differences brought by Alpine’s new Mercedes engine, marking the beginning of a new challenge.
Looking Ahead
As the event moves to Day 4, Aston Martin is expected to make their much-anticipated debut. Teams will continue their shakedown efforts, closely monitoring the weather to optimize their running schedules for effective testing at the Barcelona Shakedown.
