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Red Bull’s Mark Webber topped the timesheets as the final pre-season test began at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Thursday. Webber’s best time, a 1m 21.487s, was over nine-tenths of a second faster than the quickest lap from second-placed runner Nico Hulkenberg in the Williams.

With the weather largely settled and dry, the 11 teams in action at the Spanish circuit enjoyed a productive first day, with fastest runner Webber managing to complete 109 laps in the RB6.

Mercedes GP’s Nico Rosberg ended the day in third, ahead of Pedro de la Rosa for BMW Sauber. McLaren were fifth with reigning world champion Jenson Button in the MP4-25. Button completed 101 laps for the British team.

Sixth place went to Force India’s Vitantonio Liuzzi, whilst Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso finished in seventh. Alonso was able to complete just 74 laps, after his F10 suffered a suspected electronic problem during the morning. Eighth slot went to Renault’s Vitaly Petrov, who finished almost seven-tenths of a second ahead of Toro Rosso’s Jaime Alguersuari.

Lucas di Grassi was tenth fastest for Virgin. Before spinning and hitting the barriers in the VR-01, Di Grassi only managed to complete a total of 31 laps. Fairuz Fauzy was the day’s final runner. The Lotus reserve driver completed 76 laps in the T127.

Testing will continue at Barcelona until Sunday.

Unofficial Thursday times from Barcelona:
1. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:21.487, 109 Laps
2. Nico Hulkenberg, Williams, 1:22.407, 82 Laps
3. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes GP, 1:22.514, 107 Laps
4. Pedro de la Rosa, BMW Sauber, 1:23.144, 73 Laps
5. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:23.452, 101 Laps
6. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India, 1:24.064, 65 Laps
7. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:24.170, 74 Laps
8. Vitaly Petrov, Renault, 1:24.173, 74 Laps
9. Jaime Alguersuari, Toro Rosso, 1:24.869, 111 Laps
10. Lucas di Grassi, Virgin, 1:27.057, 31 Laps
11. Fairuz Fauzy, Lotus, 1:28.002, 76 Laps

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