Grosjean fastest again in Barcelona

BARCELONA, March 2, 2012 (AFP) - Lotus driver Romain Grosjean set the fastest time in Formula One testing for the second successive day on Friday, clocking a best lap of 1min 22.614sec.

Grosjean's French compatriot Jean-Eric Vergne, who had topped the time charts with 1min 23.614 in the Toro Rosso in the morning session, finished the day as second overall fatest. 

World champion Sebastian Vettel, in the Red Bull, was third, ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

Another former world champion Lewis Hamilton was down in ninth in his McLaren, but was adamant that the team had collected crucial information. 

"Today was all about testing set-up. It was a good day: we learned quite a lot and improved a few things. We didn't get a lot of mileage, as we had a lot of downtime in between changes," said Hamilton.

"Our car feels better set-up wise, we still haven't added the new aero package, so I think we'll get a better picture of what the car will be like in Australia over the next two days. But I definitely feel like we have a competitive car.

"This year's winter testing has been way better than last year. I've not had any problems, we've ironed out a lot of issues and I feel very comfortable. I'm fit and ready for Melbourne."

Testing continues until Sunday ahead of the first race of the 2012 Formula One season in Melbourne, Australia, on March 18.

Below the best times fo the day: