29/01/2014
NEWS STORY
Following overnight rain, which has left the Jerez track wet, it has been decided that today will be the official wet weather test day.
Each of the pre-season tests will have one designated wet weather day, and at Jerez it was due to be Friday. At each test, if it isn't raining, the track will be artificially dampened in order to allow Pirelli and the teams to try the new wet rubber.
However, following the overnight rain, and a further shower this morning, which left the circuit wet, it was agreed between Pirelli and the team to change the schedule, at which point water tankers were sent out to further soak the tarmac. Unsurprisingly, many thought the tankers more attractive than the F1 cars, whilst also threatening to cover more laps.
Following yesterday’s damp squib, in terms of running, today the teams are chomping at the bit. However, with the new cars still an unknown quantity, especially in the wet, caution will be the name of the game. Indeed, as Mercedes awaits parts following yesterday's incident, Nico Rosberg is unlikely to make an appearance until later this morning.
First out on track once the lights went green - the start of the session delayed whilst the tankers returned to base - was Jenson Button in the McLaren MP4-29, the car not turning a wheel yesterday.
Chris Balfe
Picture: Twitter @MercedesAMGF1