Vettel quicker than Mercedes despite crash

Sebastian Vettel has finished todays practise session fastest with a lap time of 1.36.812, four tenths of a second quicker than Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas.

Vettel may have set the quickest lap but his day was not without set backs. Three hours into the days testing session Vettel made a mistake at turn one causing his to spin out and crash into the barrier. The Ferarri driver was able to repair his car but the session had to be red flagged briefly whilst repairs were made to the track.

Many drivers were driving for their new teams for the first time today. George Russell described his session as 'very positive'.

Kimi Raikkenon made his first apperance for Sauber for 17 years but unfortuantly his day came to an end with 50 minutes left on the clock due to an issue with his car.

Lance Stroll appeared for Force India for 55 laps and came in third quickest behind Bottas and infront of Verstappen.

Teams are all preparing their cars for the 2019 season. With many young drivers being given opportunities I sense an exciting and close season.