Sebastian Vettel has hailed the first day of pre-season testing "unbelievable" and says he and Ferrari "couldn't have asked for a better day".
Vettel topped the times on Monday by four-tenths to McLaren's Carlos Sainz and topped the lap count too, lapping the Barcelona circuit 169 times – equal to almost three grand prix distances without issue.
Speaking to media on Monday evening, Vettel said Ferrari were able to complete more than they had initially planned and the team's spirits were therefore very positive.
"Honestly no, we couldn’t have hoped for a better day," said the German. "I think it was unbelievable.
Testing Report: Vettel dominates opening day in Barcelona
"The car was working really well, we had no issues slowing us down, we did the programme just the way we wanted, we were able to squeeze a little bit more out even.
"The first impressions yesterday were good and strong [during a shakedown], the same today. The car is working. I feel comfortable. I certainly got enough laps today and I’m going to sleep well tonight. The guys are very happy."
Whilst Vettel described the SF90 "close to perfection", he is of course wary that it's only the first day of testing and therefore times are often meaningless given rivals are on unknown plans, fuel loads etc.
"It’s very early, it’s the first day, and it’s all meaningless in a couple of weeks, but for now, huge compliments to everyone in the factory, how they have tackled the new regulations and what they put on track today is very close to perfection for the first day of driving.
"The amount of laps we did, how the team was handling the car, obviously everything was more on the edge compared to last year’s car. No major dramas so from that point of view, it was very good."
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