The Sauber F1 Team enjoyed a busy but productive day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Wednesday as Marcus Ericsson was able to exceed 120 laps.
The Swedish driver was able to achieve a 1:21.824 on Supersoft Pirelli tyres to end the day sixth fastest, just 2.119 seconds down on the pace of Valtteri Bottas at the front of the field.
The day ran to a tight schedule, filled with car and tyre tests ran over varying distances. But as the car ran without hitch, they managed to harvest a lot of data that will prove fruitful in their season preparations.
“It was a very positive day,” said Ericsson at the end of the day. “We had a trouble-free day in which I managed to run 126 laps overall. It was very important that we could work through the planned programme without having issues with the car.
“I tested several tyre compounds today, and it was interesting to compare them on different stint lengths – on short as well as long runs. We had an intensive programme today, during which we learned a lot.
“We have loads of data to analyse in order to get a better understanding of the car.”
Italian Antonio Giovinazzi will take his seat in the C36 tomorrow, the final day of testing, as he continues to deputise for the injured Pascal Wehrlein.
