Vettel, Raikkonen test in Abu Dhabi

Scuderia Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen got a head start on their 2016 rivals on Monday when they took part in tyre testing at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari finished second, behind Mercedes AMG Petronas, in the 2015 constructors’ championship. And Vettel and Raikkonen were third and fourth respectively in the drivers’ championship, behind winner Lewis Hamilton and runner-up Nico Rosberg of Mercedes.

However, while Hamilton and Rosberg left the testing of Pirelli’s new ultra-soft compound tyres up to reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein, the Ferrari pair were able to start get a jump start on preparations.

Several other race drivers also stayed behind in Abu Dhabi to take part in the test, with Daniel Ricciardo driving for Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas for Williams, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz for Toro Rosso while Nico Hulkenberg and Alfonso Celis Jr for Force India.

Meanwhile, Marussia left the testing up to development driver Jordan King and Indonesia’s Rio Haryanto. Jolyon Palmer, the 2014 GP2 champion, turned out for Lotus, while current GP2 champion Stoffel Vandoorne drove for McLaren. For Sauber, Chinese driver Adderly Fong was in the hotseat.