Vettel: SF16-H a definite step forward

While happy with his P1 on the opening day of pre-season testing, Sebastian Vettel admits it is “better to be first in one month’s time.”

The Ferrari driver debuted the SF16-H at the Circuit de Catalunya on Monday, covering 69 laps with a best time of 1:24.939.

That put him 0.470s ahead of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who was the busiest driver out on track as he amassed 155 laps.

But while Vettel would have liked to have done more himself, he insisted Ferrari are “very happy” with the new SF16-H.

“I think it is a definite step forward,” declared the four-time World Champ.

“It was our first proper day and our first impression was good.

“We are very happy with the car and would have liked to have done a few more laps.

“I wouldn’t say we had problems, but naturally when everything is new, you have issues. You stop and have a look. These things take time.”

As for his P1, while pleased to be leading the way Vettel admits: “It’s better to be first in one month’s time. It’s better than being last but it’s not really important.”

The German also revealed that the Scuderia had also taken a step forward with their engine over the winter.

“We tried to make improvements,” he said. “Last year, the guys did a miracle and they’ve been working hard so naturally it is better than it was.”