Nico Rosberg set the pace on day one of the two-day Bahrain test, topping the timing chart by over three-tenths from Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg.
The times were far slower than those posted during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, with Rosberg 2.5 seconds down on his pole lap alone.
Fernando Alonso was third, almost a second down on the Mercedes driver’s best time, whilst McLaren’s Kevin Magnussen wasn’t far behind the Spaniard.
Whilst Rosberg completed 121 laps, the most of anyone, Williams and Lotus managed just 28 and 16 respectively. Whilst Williams were pleased, having completed their test programme, Lotus admitted it as frustrating after struggling with its power unit.
In-Season Test – Bahrain:
| # | Driver | Team | Time | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | N. Rosberg | Mercedes | 1:35.897 | 121 | |
| 02 | N. Hulkenberg | Force India | 1:36.064 | 0.367 | 69 |
| 03 | F. Alonso | Ferrari | 1:36.626 | 0.929 | 68 |
| 04 | K. Magnussen | McLaren | 1:36.634 | 0.937 | 102 |
| 05 | V. Bottas | Williams | 1:37.305 | 1.608 | 28 |
| 06 | M. Chilton | Marussia | 1:37.678 | 1.981 | 60 |
| 07 | D. Ricciardo | Red Bull | 1:38.326 | 2.629 | 91 |
| 08 | S. Sirotkin | Sauber | 1:39.023 | 3.326 | 76 |
| 09 | R. Frijns | Caterham | 1:40.027 | 4.330 | 63 |
| 10 | P. Maldonado | Lotus | 1:40.183 | 4.486 | 16 |
| 11 | D. Kvyat | Toro Rosso | 1:40.452 | 4.755 | 67 |
