“It was a good first day!” said the 2007 World Champion. “Having not driven a Formula 1 car for two years and obviously with a new team, there is a lot to get used to. I’m happy because I was pretty quick to get back in the groove. Obviously you get more into the zone with the more laps you complete, as you discover more about the car and the tyres.

“Knowing when to turn, brake, and when to get on the power didn’t take long at all. The good thing is that running today gives me something to compare the new car to, so I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully we’ll be fast straight away and it’s going to be an interesting season.”

No 2012 car can be run until the official pre-season test period starts in Jerez on Tuesday 7 February. After that, two more four-day tests will follow in Barcelona.

GP-Update.net