Adrian Sutil took over from team-mate Paul di Resta on Day Three of the final pre-season test, completing 108 laps and finishing the day ninth.
The German completed a full race weekend simulation – a mock qualifying session in the morning and then a full race distance, with live pit stops, in the afternoon.
“We carried on where Paul finished yesterday, running through our race weekend programme,” explained Sutil. “The race simulation worked well in the afternoon including live pit stops and a safety car exercise to cover a few different scenarios that can happen during Grands Prix.
“The balance was generally OK, we identified some areas of performance where we can gain time and I’m looking forward to working on these tomorrow when I’m back in the car for the morning.”
Circuit engineering director Dominic Harlow said that, as testing draws to a close, things start to get extremely busy, and track time is important: “The VJM04 covered a good mileage again today as Adrian carried out a race simulation together with some aerodynamic and set-up tests. The race team were also present again for live pitstop practice before the first race. We have a busy final day of testing ahead tomorrow as we look to complete the maximum preparation possible in this pre-season.”
Sutil will be back in the car tomorrow morning before di Resta returns to complete the team’s pre-season testing.
