Vettel hails Ferrari's 'very close to perfection' first day

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Sebastian Vettel labeled his first day of pre-season testing in Barcelona as "unbelievable" and "very close to perfection" for Ferrari.

Although performance is irrelevant at such an early stage, the four-time world champion was in a league of his own on Monday, racking in the laps onboard an SF90 that ran like clockwork and looked like it was on rails around the Circuit de Catalunya.

"We couldn’t have hoped for a better day," said Vettel. "I think it was unbelievable.

"The car was working really well, we had no issues slowing us down.

Sebastian Vettel tops opening day of pre-season testing

"We actually completed the program just the way we wanted, and we’re able to squeeze a little bit more out even. So it seems that the car is working. I feel comfortable.

"Obviously I’m still a bit rusty because I haven’t driven for a couple of months. But getting better, I certainly got enough laps today, I’ll sleep well tonight.

"The car’s working well, I’m very happy it’s doing what I want. So I’m very pleased at the moment."

While encouraged by his first day at the office, Vettel also knows that when it comes to testing, results aren't necessarily a clear indication of a future running order.

"Obviously it’s very early, the first day and it’s meaningless in a couple of weeks. But for now I think huge compliments to everyone back in the factory," he said.

"How they tackled the new rules and regulations and what they put on track today is very close to perfection in the first day of driving.

"The amount of laps that we did, how the team was handling the car and obviously everything is more on the edge compared to last year's car and so on, but as I said no major dramas.

"So from that point of view we were very very well prepared."

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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.