One Formula 1 team from Italy + a tire manufacturer from Italy = ??
The answer: a string of Fernando Alonso world titles.
OK, I’m kidding, a bit. But Alonso did keep Ferrari at the top of the time sheets on the second day of Pirelli testing. No surprise there.
The surprise? The second-fastest driver of the day. Who? Just a a former Ferrari driver by the name of Michael Schumacher.
Yes, yes, these early tests mean next to nothing. But Ferrari being out front with Schumacher showing some speed can’t help but get the enthusiasm levels up a bit, right? Potentially interesting scenarios abound.
Sebastian Vettel kept Red Bull close by taking the third spot. Here’s the full list:
Unofficial Saturday times from Abu Dhabi:
1. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:40.529, 105 laps
2. Michael Schumacher, Mercedes GP, 1:40.685, 74
3. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:40.825, 66
4. Rubens Barrichello, Williams, 1:41.294, 101
5. Robert Kubica, Renault, 1:41.614, 90
6. Gary Paffett, McLaren, 1:41.622, 46
7. Oliver Turvey, McLaren, 1:41.740, 30
8. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:41.869, 35
9. Kamui Kobayashi, BMW Sauber, 1:42.110, 43
10. Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso, 1:42.145, 98
11. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India, 1:42.416, 46
12. Sergio Perez, BMW Sauber, 1:42.777, 46
13. Jarno Trulli, Lotus, 1:44.521, 83
14. Pastor Maldonado, HRT, 1:44.768, 65
15. Timo Glock, Virgin, 1:44.783, 82
Di Resta’s time stands out, as does Maldonado’s. Will Williams just make it official, already?
Anything else leap forward? Does anyone want to dive right into the deep end when it comes to Michael? Do you take anything from this?
