Romain Grosjean in the Lotus E20 clips an apex at Jerez with absolute precision on the third day of pre-season testing. The Lotus is still the fastest of the 2012 cars, none of which has been able to match the 2011 Mercedes of Schumacher and Rosberg.

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Mercedes' theoretically outdated 2011 car has posted the fastest time in Formula One pre-season testing for the second day in a row, while the Lotus E20 is still the quickest of this season's new batch of competitors.

Nico Rosberg was quickest around the Jerez circuit on Thursday with a lap time of 1 minute, 17.613 seconds to follow up Michael Schumacher's leading pace of Wednesday.

Romain Grosjean in a Lotus was the fastest of the 2012 designs, the French driver's time of 1min18.419 more than eight-tenths of a second faster than defending double World champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull, who was driving for the first time.

Lewis Hamilton's first spin in the new McLaren placed him fourth ahead of Jean-Eric Vergne of Toro Rosso, while Fernando Alonso kicked off his Ferrari campaign with the seventh-fastest time.

COOL RUNNING CAUSES CRASH

Grosjean's time was the fastest of the 2012 cars so far after three days of testing, with team mate Kimi Raikkonen having topped the timesheets in Tuesday's opening session.

Cool morning temperatures delayed optimal running for most as cars needed time to warm up tyres that all teams are still getting accustomed to. Force India reserve driver Jules Bianchi skidded off the slippery circuit to keep Nico Hulkenberg from getting any laps in the afternoon, when he was meant to hand over.

Vettel, back on track after dominating the championship last season, said: “The car feels fine and as we expected.

“There's quite a loss of grip due to the regulation changes, but you get used to it quickly and then start to explore how the new car feels. So far we can be happy, we had a couple of issues, but that's normal when the car is new.”

LONG, TOUGH PROGRAMME

Hamilton took over McLaren duties from Jenson Button, and the 2008 champion had few complaints on a day when he managed 80 laps.

Hamilton said: “My initial feelings are pretty positive, despite going through a long, tough programme of initial tests there were no nasty surprises, which is pleasing

“The car feels reasonably quick, and that's a nice feeling.”

Ferrari's pre-season form has failed to impress even with Alonso replacing Felipe Massa in the driver's seat on Thursday, with the Italians off the pace going into Friday's fourth and final day of the test in southern Spain. - Sapa-AP

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