F1 testing: Mixed fortunes for McLaren and Mercedes' day is ruined

The second week of testing for Formula 1 got under way at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona on Tuesday, and it was a day of mixed fortunes for McLaren as Lando Norris recorded the best time, only for the winning lap to be sandwiched between two car stoppages.

The Brit, who is on the cusp of his debut season in Formula 1, shot up to the top of the time rankings in the final afternoon slot, only to have his car hauled off the track shortly after - an incident which happened earlier in the day too.

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Our Tuesday on track ends with a total of 81 laps on the board for @LandoNorris. #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/Gjkg4oYrWL — McLaren (@McLarenF1) 26 February 2019

After a previous stoppage, Norris and McLaren recovered for that impressive fast lap, but their positivity soon turned sour as a subsequent lap was halted again, with Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne watching from the garage of their old team.

The entire day was pretty much a write-off for Mercedes, as the Silver Arrows only managed to record two laps via Valtteri Bottas due to an oil pressure issue which meant the Finn could only get out on the track for a few minutes at the end of the session.

Finally, some positive headlines for Williams, however, as George Russell got to tally-up some meaningful laps in his 2019 car, managing 118 in the end. Only Pierre Gasly, and Kevin Magnussen went round the track more times with 130 and 135 laps respectively.

Both Renault and Ferrari gave their duo of drivers a run-out, with Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg, Sebastian Vettel, and Charles Leclerc all heading on on-track for solid enough showings.

DAY TWO HEADLINES

Steiner: Haas won’t set fast laps ‘just to feel great about it'
Hulkenberg ‘not concerned’ by improving midfield rivals
Hamilton: Mercedes coming off most difficult winter yet
Red Bull are 'clearly ahead of Mercedes'
F1 Testing - What did we learn in week one?

FROM THE TRACK

Just in case anyone’s interested, Formula E’s @svandoorne is here along with part time IndyCar driver @alo_oficial - must have been holidaying nearby or something. ?? #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/mn2zGrUAaI — Rob Watts (@robwattsf1) February 26, 2019

Some major upgrades seen on the Mercedes W10 this morning and the team need it too after Valtteri Bottas talked of "massive" balance issues last week. #F1Testing https://t.co/Oepsoo9kfq — Rob Watts (@robwattsf1) February 26, 2019

#BelieveInMcLaren pic.twitter.com/w6F6XH5MPU — Rob Watts (@robwattsf1) February 26, 2019