Ferrari first to break into 1:18 in Barcelona

Editor

Kimi Raikkonen has set the new fastest lap on the final day of testing with a stunning time of 1:18.634 on the supersoft tyres.

Pirelli had predicted that lap times would fall to the 1:18 benchmark with the new aerodynamic regulations in place, and the Finn became the first driver to reach it within the final hour of the morning session on Day Eight.

The fastest time prior to Raikkonen's effort was a 1:19.024 set by his team-mate Sebastian Vettel on Day Seven, which was set on the ultrasoft option.

Ferrari now hold the quickest times on each compound:

Supersofts: Kimi Raikkonen, Day Eight, 1:18.634

Ultrasofts: Sebastian Vettel, Day Seven, 1:19.024

Softs: Kimi Raikkonen, Day Eight, 1:19.267

Mediums: Sebastian Vettel, Day Three, 1:21.609

In addition, Raikkonen's 1.18:634 is just three tenths slower from the fastest lap ever around this version of the Circult de Catalunya with the chicane.

Before Raikkonen stole the headlines, there was signs of life from Red Bull with Max Verstappen reaching the lunch break in P2 after a 1:19.438 also on the supersoft compound – the quickest seen so far from the RB13.

Red Bull also broke the 1:19 barrier on soft tyres, while Toro Rosso and Renault have also set their quickest times throughout the whole eight days of testing.

Meanwhile, the McLaren MCL32 has broken down twice again with the same electrical issue that thwarted Stoffel Vandoorne on Day Seven. Fernando Alonso, who heavily criticised engine suppliers Honda earlier in the week, has managed just 19 laps thus far.

Day Eight timesheet (lunch break):