Ricciardo hits the top for Renault

Daniel Ricciardo tops the final morning of pre-season testing for Renault as teams complete qualifying simulations ahead of a predicted wet final afternoon of running.

Renault have been off the pace for the majority of pre-season testing, many people suggesting that they will be towards the back of the pack in 2020, but Ricciardo posted a 1:16.276 to go fastest on Friday morning.

As fears of a wet afternoon session to close out pre-season testing grew, the majority of teams turned up the power, took a certain amount of fuel out, and completed qualifying simulations.

Lewis Hamilton ended the session third to Charles Leclerc, but the power was clearly turned well down as his Mercedes was half a second slower down the largely flat-out first sector when compared to Sergio Perez, the Mexican's Racing Point team also using the Mercedes power unit.

Perez and Carlos Sainz followed for Racing Point and McLaren who both continue to enjoy a positive testing period.

George Russell showed more signs of a stronger season for Williams by scoring the sixth fastest lap. The only caveat to all of these results are the fuel loads and power output being run by teams, but Williams are consistently running at around sixth fastest, so a midfield battle could be in order for the coming season.

Alex Albon was the only driver who failed to complete a qualifying simulation after dropping his Red Bull into the gravel midway through the session.

Related

F1 News & Gossip

Ricciardo boss in 'super disappointing' claim amid RB stars' performance

• Yesterday 21:57

F1 Superstars

Horner delivers threat to Ricciardo over Red Bull pressure

• April 19, 2024 21:57
• 1