Charles Leclerc tops first F1 test session of new era

Formula 1

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Leclerc tops first F1 test session of new era

F1 pre-season testing began on Wednesday in Spain

Sam Hall

Wednesday 23 February 2022 13:10 Updated: 19:08

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Charles Leclerc has topped the order in the first F1 session of 2022 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The new era of F1 began in earnest at the Spanish Grand Prix venue and it was Ferrari that struck the first blow with a time of one minute 20.165secs.

The Monegasque's best effort was followed closely by Lando Norris as the McLaren driver ended the session just 0.309s behind.

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Unlike most pres-season sessions, the running passed without the interruption of red flags with some drivers taking advantage of this to register distances in excess of a grand prix distance.

Max Verstappen's title defence began in a subdued fashion with the Dutchman registering only the sixth fastest time but with a significant 80 laps completed, a session best shared with Leclerc.

At Mercedes, George Russell challenged at the top of the times and ended his day third fastest. Lewis Hamilton will take control of the W13 for the afternoon.

Robert Kubica saw his track time limited after an unspecified "small part" broke and needed to be replaced. The Polish reserve driver is not scheduled to return to the track across the remaining two-and-a-half days.

F1 WEDNESDAY MORNING RESULTS

1 - Leclerc - Ferrari: 1:20.165 [80 laps] 2 - Norris - McLaren: 1:20.474 [50 laps] 3 - Russell - Mercedes: 1:20.784 [77 laps] 4 - Vettel - Aston Martin: 1:21.276 [52 laps] 5 - Tsunoda - AlphaTauri: 1:21.638 [43 laps] 6 - Verstappen - Red Bull: 1:22.246 [80 laps] 7 - Alonso - Alpine: 1:23.317 [54 laps] 8 - Latifi - Williams: 1:23.379 [66 laps] 9 - Mazepin - Haas: 1:24.505 [20 laps] 10 - Kubica - Alfa Romeo: 1:25.909 [9 laps]