Sebastian Vettel tops timesheets at Pirelli's wet-tyre test in France

27 January 2016 09:09

Sebastian Vettel ended Pirelli's two-day wet tyre test in France as the quickest driver.

The four-time world champion, who took over testing duties from Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen on Tuesday, completed 134 laps at the Paul Ricard circuit.

Pirelli, Formula One's sole tyre supplier, called for the test in order to gather data of their wet tyre, and a total of 659 laps were completed.

Paul Ricard's variable sprinkler system allowed Pirelli to test with different amounts of water on the track in order to simulate variable conditions ahead of the new season.

Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren participated in the test with all three teams using last year's car.

Vettel's best effort of one minute 06.750 seconds was marginally quicker than the Red Bull of Daniil Kvyat. McLaren's reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, who participated in both days of track action, was one second slower than Vettel.

The first pre-season test for the 2016 Formula One season gets under way in Barcelona on February 22 while the campaign itself kicks off in Melbourne, Australia four weeks later.

Source: PA