1 Aug 2018

Hartley tops lap count in Formula One test

7:04 am on 1 August 2018

New Zealand driver Brendon Hartley got through the most laps on the first day of Formula One testing in Budapest.

Brendon Hartley

Brendon Hartley Photo: Photosport

Hartley was also the third quickest as the two-day mid-season test got underway.

Ferrari test driver Antonio Giovinazzi finished an impressive two and a half seconds ahead of his nearest rival - Sauber's Marcus Ericsson.

The Italian recorded the fastest lap ever at the Hungaroring, half a second quicker than anything during last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Hartley, who got through 126 laps, was third fastest, two and a half seconds behind Giovinazzi.

"We had a lot of interesting items to test today and plenty of work in front of us. In the morning session, we completed the most laps of any team with 94 - this was actually quite punchy in the hot conditions," he said.

"We had another busy programme to complete in the afternoon session and ended up with a total of 126 laps, but with the unforeseen weather changes we couldn't complete all of our test items.

"Despite the rain at the end of the day, I have to say it was a really positive test for us."

Hartley will also drive on day two of the test.

The next round of Formula One is in Belgium at the end of the month.

-RNZ