The term 'winter tests' does not suggest warm weather, but usually, it is not as harsh as Wednesday was: snow and rain showers ruined the third day of the first test week in Barcelona.
Only five drivers - Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo, Marcus Ericsson, Robert Kubica and Brendon Hartley - took on the circuit. Most of them kept it at one or more installation rounds. Only Alonso eventually drove two timed laps at a quarter for six. For lovers: his best time was a 2:18,545.
It was significant for the conditions at the Circuit de Catalunya. Early in the morning it was clear that it would probably not be a productive test day. It snowed heavily on the Spanish circuit. The start of the session was postponed, It was not until twelve o'clock when it had stopped snowing, that the lights went green.
Alonso was at half past two the first driver who ventured onto the course. Then it started to rain again, which did not improve the track conditions. Ricciardo's test round ended in the gravel trap - where he was able to get out again on his own.
It was suggested in advance that it might be possible to blow off the entire test day and move it to Monday. That did not work out. According to Autosport, several teams did not agree with postponement, while for such a decision unanimity would be required.
Also during the first two test days the weather wasn't helping the teams. Ricciardo drove the fastest time on Monday and Sebastian Vettel sent his Ferrari to the first place on Tuesday, but it is unclear what that says about the power relations. Due to the exceptionally cold weather conditions, the drivers could not yet drive their new cars to the limit.
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