Mercedes-backed GP3 champion George Russell set the pace as the opening pre-season test for the new Formula 2 campaign concluded at Paul Ricard.
Following an initial shakedown of the F2/18 at Magny Cours last month, the teams reconvened at French Grand Prix venue Paul Ricard for a three-day test.
Carlin’s Lando Norris led running on Tuesday and Wednesday, but ART rookie Russell moved to the front on Thursday, posting a best of 1:42.396.
ART team-mate Jack Aitken made it a 1-2 for the French operation, with Russell holding an advantage of nearly two-tenths of a second over the Renault F1 reserve driver.
Prema’s Nyck de Vries was third, while DAMS’ Alexander Albon headed the afternoon session, his time fastest enough for fourth overall.
Trident’s Arjun Maini placed fifth, in front of Charouz’s Louis Deletraz and Carlin duo Sergio Sette Camara and Norris, split by just 0.007s.
Norris' pace-setting time, set on Wednesday, ended up proving to be the fastest of the week.
Red Bull protégé Dan Ticktum received his first taste of F2 machinery with DAMS, running in place of the injured Nicholas Latifi, and finished ninth, as Arden’s Maximilian Gunther rounded out the top 10.
The second pre-season test will take place in Bahrain later this month.
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