F1 testing in pictures: Records tumble, McLaren fumble and the snow!

F1 testing is in the books for another year, with hopes raised of a thrilling three-way battle between Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes in 2018. As ever, Barcelona was subjected to several trills and spills, here we look back at some of the best images from the past two weeks.

THE FULL PICTURE

The start of the Barcelona test is traditionally time for the last remaining car unveilings and 2018 was no different, with Haas, Toro Rosso and Force India breaking cover on the first morning.

AND SO, IT BEGINS...

Not even an hour into pre-season, a "wheel-nut issue" sent Fernando Alonso spinning into the gravel.

KUBICA BACK

The second day of the test saw Robert Kubica back in an official F1 event for the first time since 2011. A sight that delighted many across the motorsport world, none more than a pocket of barmy, loyal fans who showed up in Barcelona to cheer him on.

IS IT A CAR? IS IT A PLANE?

And you thought the halo looked bad! Collecting data does come at something of an aesthetic cost...

SNOW DAY!

Yes, day three of the test saw Arctic conditions descend on Catalonia, effectively wiping out running for the day.

EXCEPT FOR...

The hardy Fernando, the only driver to set a timed lap on this most odd of days.

HAMILTON ON TOP

Once the snow cleared, teams could go testing again and Lewis Hamilton ended the first test sat on top of the timesheets.

HAPPY HONDA

And which team completed the most laps in week one? Only Toro Rosso, with Honda power units and all!

MCLAREN MISERY

The second test began ominously for the papaya car, as Stoffel Vandoorne broke down early on...

MORE MCLAREN MISERY

... and did so again twice on day one of test two, then again on day two... and again on day four. *sigh*

VER-STOPPED-HIM

Of course, McLaren weren't the only team who encountered issues. The Red Bull of Max Verstappen needed a lift back to the garage after one trip beyond the limits.

WHAT'S ALL THIS THEN?

It's the new standing-start that the FIA are trialling for safety-car periods this season. Romain Grosjean said it could cause "carnage", so that's great.

NOW WE'RE TALKING

Daniel Ricciardo set tongues wagging in the second test as he broke the unofficial lap record that had stood for over 10 years.

NOW WE'RE REALLY TALKING

But Ricciardo did not enjoy as much time to savour his record as Felipe Massa had done before him, as Sebastian Vettel lopped almost a full second off the benchmark about 24 hours later!