Summary Hamilton set the fastest time on the opening day of pre-season testing at Barcelona.
MONTMELO (AFP) - World champion Lewis Hamilton hammered out an early season warning to his rivals on Wednesday when he set the fastest time on the opening day of pre-season testing at Barcelona.
Hamilton, who will attempt to equal Michael Schumacher s all-time record of seven world titles this year, clocked a best time of 1min 16.976sec off a total of 94 laps.
He was the only driver at a chilly Montmelo to duck under 1min 17sec.
Worryingly for the rest of the field, Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was second fastest in 1min 17.313sec.
Testing continues Thursday and Friday before a second three-day session in Barcelona next week.
The season-opening Australian Grand Prix takes place in Melbourne on March 15.
