Hamilton and Mercedes make progress on poor grip issues

40

Lewis Hamilton put 97 laps under his belt today in Bahrain as Mercedes focused on testing new parts and set-up work aimed at improving its grip issues which appeared in Sunday's race.

The Brit topped the timesheet, clocking a 1m31.358 on the Soft compound Pirelli tyre late in the afternoon.

"Today was tricky with it being so hot and very gusty but we still managed to get through plenty of work," Hamilton said.

"Our focus was on advancing our understanding of the tyres and also the rear of the car so that we can improve our long runs - particularly during the race and on the SuperSoft compound.

"We came here with a specific goal, so it was positive to get on top of that with the team."

Bahrain test Day 1: Hamilton heads Giovinazzi

While hios team seeks to improve its tyre troubles, Hamilton is forecasting different tyre management in Russia next week, on a track which doesn't compare to Bahrain in terms of degradation.

"Sochi is a smoother track and less abrasive on the tyres, so they can go quite a long way. Hopefully we can rely on the pace of our car there rather than our use of the tyres."

Valtteri Bottas will take the wheel of the W08 tomorrow for the second and final day of the test.

GALLERY: All the action from the Day 1 in-season testing at Bahrain

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.