Slowly but surely, teams will start to dig a bit deeper on the third day of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Mercedes and Ferrari traded places at the top of the timesheets on first two days of the week, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top on Wednesday.

Mercedes continues to split its days, with Valtteri Bottas kicking off the morning followed by Lewis Hamilton in the afternoon.

Sebastian Vettel relays Kimi Raikkonen for the entire day, while Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso will also be on deck, the latter desperately hoping for an incident-free day with McLaren.

Force India reserve driver Alfonso Celis Jr. will get a chance to help with the team's new car, while Carlos Sainz takes over from Dany Kvyat at Toro Rosso.

With Kevin Magnussen's work with Haas done for the week, Romain Grosjean takes over and not a minute too soon according to the Frenchman who is raring to go.

After yesterday's mishap involving rookie Lance Stroll, Williams has changed its schedule for today and will keep the Canadian in the FW40 to give him more track time.

Jolyon Palmer will remain on duty this morning for Renault before Nico Hulkenberg takes over this afternoon.

Finally, at Sauber, Marcus Ericsson will start off proceedings in the morning before passing the baton to impressive rookie Antonio Giovinazzi after lunch.

F1i will be live from Barcelona from 9:00am CET to provide live timing and commentary all day.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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.

Recent Posts

Hamilton’s winning advice in the age of AI: ‘Stay curious’

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton isn’t just revving up for a new Formula 1 season…

14 mins ago

Ecclestone and Briatore unleash on ‘chaotic’ 2026 F1 season

Former F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone and Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatore may have mellowed with…

1 hour ago

Cadillac F1 entry hits $1 billion before first Grand Prix

Cadillac hasn’t started a Formula 1 race yet – but the meter is allegedly already…

3 hours ago

Mercedes F1 customer teams set for engine upgrade for Melbourne

Mercedes’ F1 customer teams are poised to receive a timely boost ahead of the season-opening…

4 hours ago

F1 boss Domenicali on why Apple TV will shatter ESPN’s records

Formula 1 is gearing up for a new digital era in the United States –…

20 hours ago

Sainz reveals ‘not ideal’ reality shared with Alonso

Carlos Sainz has lifted the lid on a private paddock conversation he enjoyed with Fernando…

21 hours ago