German GP test race: Ferrari leads, Mercedes has better racing speed

Ferrari took the lead in both test sessions on Friday at the Hockenheim, Germany track; Hamilton clung to the Ferrari duo in third place while Bottas got a little tough and Gasly stabbed the Red Bull racing car into the barrier.

Two Ferrari riders exchanged seats in the first two positions of two test sessions. In the first test session Vettel led, followed by Leclerc and in the second test session Leclerc was the leader with a record of 1 minute 13 seconds 449 parts per thousand, his teammate – Vettel ranked in second place. 2 with achievements less than 0.1 seconds.

Hamilton clung to the Ferrari duo when he finished third in both test sessions, while teammate Bottas was a bit difficult at the first test session when he finished fifth, behind Red Bull’s Verstappen. However, in the second test session, Bottas improved some performance and took Verstappen’s fourth place and pushed the Dutch driver down to 5th place.

The second test session is not a successful test for Red Bull. Verstappen was overtaken by Bottas while Gasly even ranked only 15th after causing a serious crash at the last corner while testing the racing speed.

The temperature in Hockenheim is the highest among all races that have taken place this season. The leading Ferrari in both test sessions can be considered a surprise. Mercedes, in the race at home, has a new classic white and silver paint, along with a new upgrade package, which is difficult with the cooling system.

Mercedes proved strong at the morning test on the tougher tires but could not keep pace with Ferrari’s straight line on soft tires when grading tests. Bottas ranked fourth but slower than Ferrari by 0.6 seconds. Perhaps a drop in temperature or a rain will help Mercedes in the main category and race day.