Marko jubilates after flawless Thursday: 'Best test day ever by Red Bull'

Red Bull drove 157 laps on the first day of winter testing, the most of any team. Max Verstappen - who accounted for both the morning and afternoon sessions on the opening day in Bahrain - had fairly trouble-free sessions.

Verstappen had a fastest lap of 1:32.837, driven in the afternoon session. With that, he was faster than the surprising Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin, who followed at 0.029 seconds. Tomorrow Sergio Perez, Verstappen's teammate, will be in the new Red Bull for the first time.

Extremely satisfied

After the test day, Helmut Marko, advisor to the team, was extremely satisfied. By The Dutchman he spoke of an extremely productive test day: "I think this is Red Bull Racing's best ever test day. We are in a much better position than a year ago. So an excellent starting point," Marko said.

Verstappen will return to action in the RB-19 on Friday, during the afternoon session. As mentioned, Perez will drive his laps in the morning session. On the closing Saturday, the Dutchman will not be back in action.