 Hamilton recovered after minor engine problems early on |
Britain's Lewis Hamilton had a steady outing in his first open test session since McLaren confirmed he would be their second driver next season. The 21-year-old finished sixth in a time of one minute, 18.241 seconds while regular McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa finished second.
Ferrari's Felipe Massa set the pace in Barcelona with a time of 1:17.162.
"It was a really positive day and I enjoyed every moment of it," said Tewin-born Hamilton.
"I have done four test days with McLaren but there was a lot of weight on my shoulders before.
"Now it is out in the open, we can get on with developing the car.
 | I have done all I needed to do coming up to F1 |
"To come here knowing that I am the driver for next year meant I could really knuckle down on bonding with the team and my engineer and get on top of the car and up to pace."
The rapid rise of Hamilton, who won the GP2 championship this year, has been criticised in some areas with Red Bull's David Coulthard saying McLaren "have given him his break way too soon".
But Hamilton refused to get drawn in to a row and added: "I value David's opinion.
"He is extremely experienced and I have always looked up to him. I think in some ways he could be right.
"But at the end of the day I have done all I needed to do coming up to F1.
"I have got plenty of time to do the testing in pre-season and so we will have to wait and see."
606 DEBATE: How good is Hamilton?
Hamilton will be the first black driver to compete in Formula One when he partners world champion Fernando Alonso in 2007.
Alonso, who has switched from Renault, will join the team in January.
Tuesday's test was the first with all drivers using Bridgestone tyres, next year's sole supplier following the departure of Michelin.
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