Leclerc leads on Ferrari debut as Pirelli test ends in Abu Dhabi

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Charles Leclerc ended the Pirelli tyre test as the quickest driver across the two days in Abu Dhabi after leading on his Ferrari debut on Wednesday.

The Monegasque posted a 1m36.450s using the 2019-spec Hypersoft tyre (or Compound 5 as it's now known), which was almost four-tenths up on Sebastian Vettel's best from Tuesday on the 2018-spec pink-striped rubber.

On the day, it was enough to lead Pierre Gasly on his Red Bull debut by 1.4 seconds as the Frenchman settled in to his new surroundings.

Lance Stroll was third as he completed a full day inside the Force India ahead of Valtteri Bottas who did likewise in the Mercedes.

Carlos Sainz was fifth on his first day at McLaren ahead of Renault development driver Artem Markelov as the Russian benefitted from Daniel Ricciardo being unable to test with his new team for next season.

Williams were the only team to split their day between both their drivers and once again F2 champion George Russell held the advantage over Robert Kubica with four-tenths between the new teammates.

The Grove-based squad was also the only one not to complete 100 laps on Wednesday managing just 94 when the next lowest total was 117.

Daniil Kvyat made his return in the Toro Rosso in eighth and would match Sean Gelael's total of 155 laps on Wednesday, meaning the Honda-powered team comfortably led the distance covered chart.

Haas turned to F2 racer Louis Deletraz for the second day with the Swiss ninth quickest ahead of Kubica as Antonio Giovinazzi completed the timings on his first day back at Sauber.

A full list of the times, laps and tyres used over the past two days can be seen below:

 

         

 

 

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