Nico Rosberg kept Mercedes on top of the time sheets on day three of testing in Jerez after registering the quickest lap so far, a 1:17.613, in the 2011-spec car.
Meanwhile, in the 2012 machinery, it was Romain Grosjean who went quickest for Lotus, closely followed by Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton – both of whom got their first taste of the 2012 cars.
The story of the day came from test and reserve driver Jules Bianchi who spun his Force India after just two laps, ending his session almost immediately.
The Frenchman span at Sito Pons, hitting the wall with the rear, causing minor damage to the VJM05, which due to a lack of spares, couldn’t be repaired for Nico Hulkenberg’s debut.
The Spanish fans were out in force to witness Fernando Alonso drive the F2012 for the first time. He finished seventh quickest.
Collective times from Jerez (Day 3):
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | N. Rosberg | Mercedes | 1:17.613 | 118 | |
| 02. | R. Grosjean | Lotus | 1:18.419 | +0.806 | 117 |
| 03. | S. Vettel | Red Bull | 1:19.297 | +1.684 | 96 |
| 04. | L. Hamilton | McLaren | 1:19.464 | +1.851 | 80 |
| 05. | J-E. Vergne | Toro Rosso | 1:19.734 | +2.121 | 79 |
| 06. | S. Perez | Sauber | 1:19.770 | +2.157 | 48 |
| 07. | F. Alonso | Ferrari | 1:20.412 | +2.799 | 67 |
| 08. | B. Senna | Williams | 1:21.293 | +3.680 | 125 |
| 09. | G. van der Garde | Caterham | 1:23.324 | +5.711 | 74 |
| 10. | J. Bianchi | Force India | 2 |
Note: Italics mark 2011 car, rather than 2012.
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