Sims leads BMW 1-2 in opening morning session

Alexander Sims has topped the times in the first morning session of pre-season testing, setting a 1:17.567s to lead team-mate Antonio Felix da Costa by a tenth of a second. Season three champion Lucas di Grassi completed the morning podium.

The session officially kicked off season five as drivers took to the track at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. The times kept tumbling throughout the session, with da Costa becoming the first man to beat last year’s benchmark of 1:18.565s as BMW put in a strong showing with a 1-2 finish.

di Grassi put in the most laps of the session to set a 1:17.739s, which was good enough for third place ahead of reigning champion Jean-Eric Vergne, whose fastest time was a 1:18.033s. Andre Lotterer ensured that both DS Techeetahs were in the top five with a 1:18.227s.

The only stoppage of the morning session was for a trip into the barrier for Formula E rookie Gary Paffett, who locked the rears of his HWA at the temporary chicane and slid sideways into the wall.

Following the resumption of the session, multiple drivers took turns at lowering the benchmark as Jerome d’Ambrosio, Sam Bird, Robin Frijns and Felipe Massa all enjoyed stints at the top of the times.

Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Nelson Piquet Jr led the way in terms of laps completed, circulating the Ricardo Tormo track 42 times en route to the 19th fastest time.

The only driver to not set a time in the morning session was Nissan rookie Alexander Albon, due to some technical gremlins with his IM01.

The full times from the morning session can be found here.