Charles Pic on track using the low-profile Pirellis © Sutton Images Enlarge

Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat set the pace on the second morning of in-season testing at Silverstone, although the focus was on Pirelli's low-profile tyre test with Lotus.

The Lotus was wheeled out into the pit lane for initial photos shortly after the start of the session before re-emerging an hour later to put the first miles on the new 18-inch tyres. The tyres are very much a concept rather than a developed racing product and it was no surprise to see the Lotus nine seconds off the pace by lunch time. However, if the new look captures the imagination of F1 fans and teams, Pirelli is willing to fully develop low-profile tyres for 2017.

Kvyat's time of 1:35.544 was slower than the best efforts of Felipe Massa and Daniel Ricciardo on Tuesday, but was 1.583s clear of the next best effort by Kevin Magnussen on Wednesday morning. Jules Bianchi set the third fastest time while standing in for Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari, who was rested following his accident at the British Grand Prix. Marussia team-mate Max Chilton was fourth fastest, just 0.164s slower than Bianchi, although differing run plans and priorities mean comparisons are of limited value.

Force India reserve driver Dani Juncadella was fifth fastest ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Sauber reserve Giedo van der Garde. Sebastian Vettel was tyre testing at Red Bull, completing 37 laps in the RB10 and setting the eighth fastest time with a 1:39.915. Lewis Hamilton completed just five laps in the Mercedes after spinning off on cold tyres and did not return to the track before 13:00.

Colder tyres this morning after several aero runs at slower speeds meant a bit of a spin for @LewisHamilton on track, causing red flag #F1 — MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) July 9, 2014

GP2 driver Julian Leal completed just one lap on his first outing in the Caterham before returning with a problem with the Control Unit for the MGU-H. At lunch Caterham was not sure when the car would be back on track, with Rio Haryanto also scheduled for some track time this afternoon.

Times at 13:00



1. Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso 1:35.544 28 laps 2. Kevin Magnussen McLaren 1:36.463 44 laps 3. Jules Bianchi Ferrari 1:37.195 42 laps 4. Max Chilton Marussia 1:37.359 39 laps 5. Dani Juncadella Force India 1:37.708 18 laps 6. Valtteri Bottas Williams 1:38.021 17 laps 7. Giedo van der Garde Sauber 1:38.290 54 laps 8. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:39.915 37 laps 9. Charles Pic Lotus 1:44.728 14 laps 10. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes No time 5 laps 11. Julian Leal Caterham No time 1 lap

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