Hamilton: Very encouraging start

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes’ first pre-season test has been “fantastic” as the W05 proved to be one of the most reliable cars…

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes’ first pre-season test has been “fantastic” as the W05 proved to be one of the most reliable cars.

Aside from a crash on the opening day, the result of a front wing failure, Mercedes had a relatively smooth run at Jerez.

The team amassed 309 laps over the four days of which 132 were covered on Friday alone by first Nico Rosberg and then Hamilton.

“It has been an amazing week,” said the Brit.

“To get the amount of mileage we have has been very encouraging. The biggest positive we can take from here is that the car is reliable.

“We aren’t focused on anyone else, we’re just focused on ourselves and trying to improve. We want as much data as we can and as much miles as we can.

“We’re just taking one step at a time. It’s been fantastic, really fantastic.”

Arguably the headline of the week, though, was the problems that reigning World Champs Red Bull Racing experienced.

The team, who had issues with the Renault engine and cooling, managed just 21 laps over the four days.

Hamilton, though, says he’s not paying any attention to what is happening at other teams.

“We aren’t focused on anyone else, we’re just focused on ourselves and trying to improve. We want as much data as we can and as much miles as we can. We’re just taking one step at a time.”