Lewis Hamilton has played down his chart topping time on Saturday during the penultimate day of testing in Barcelona.
The Mercedes driver posted a 1:20.558 to shoot to the top of the timing screens, seven tenths clear of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa in second.
His time is also 1.1 seconds quicker than his disallowed pole position lap at the same circuit in 2012. However he is keen to keep expectations in check.
“I don’t think it’s any need to be impressed or anything,” he said. “I think everyone’s doing their own programmes and everyone’s on different fuel loads so it’s just another testing day for us really.
“I think it’s important to bring everyone back down to earth and realise that we’ve still got a lot of work to do. Mercedes are doing a great job, both in the engine department and also the car; it’s obviously a lot better than it was last year.”
He is however happy with the progress after admitting their latest upgrade delivered the expected performance step, albeit a small one.
“Obviously our upgrade has been positive; it’s a small step forward today which was really good for us,” he added. “The guys are working really hard back at the factory and also here – working really well back in the garage – so really happy on a lot of levels to be honest.”
