Mercedes finished testing in Jerez yesterday as Nico Rosberg completed 130 laps in the MGP W01.
Rosberg testing concentrated on chassis set-up work over long runs, and a tyre comparison programme. Dry weather meant the programme could proceed unhindered, unlike on Day 2 when Rosberg last drove the car.
The German sounded very pleased with team's progress at the end of the day. “We've had a very positive day today and were able to complete a lot of valuable mileage which is a great way to end the tests here in Jerez. We've made some good progress on our set-up comparisons and learnt a lot which will be useful to prepare for the final test in Barcelona. Being able to get the laps in dry conditions has been very helpful for me to get used to the car and systems.”
Ross Brawn said that testing on the new car was going well despite the tricky weather conditions that hampered running on some days. “The past two weeks in Jerez have seen an intensive period of testing for the … team and it is very pleasing to have ended the test programme with two days of very valuable dry running for Nico and Michael. Although the conditions haven't been ideal over the two tests, we have been able to make good progress on the set-up of the car and completed a number of our systems evaluations. We still have a great deal of work ahead of us in Barcelona next week but overall we're looking in good shape for the start of the season.”