Ferrari’s worrying start to the 2012 pre-season got a boost on Friday when Fernando Alonso topped the times in the famous team’s new car.
Earlier, when Red Bull’s Dietrich Mateschitz was in the paddock, he wondered to Blick newspaper: "What’s up with Ferrari?"
Former Ferrari driver Mika Salo answered: "They’re having problems at every corner."
But although not as quick as the impressive Lotus earlier this week, Spaniard Alonso was faster than all comers on the last of the four-day session at Jerez, including Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel who had technical problems.
Typically, Alonso was giving nothing away.
"This time is worth nothing as is the one I set yesterday and those of the previous days," he said.
He was also not getting excited about Lotus’ potential title challenge.
"I don’t know as even for them it’s a bit early and I would rather just say I am very happy to see Kimi (Raikkonen) back.
"He’s a great driver and a great person," said Alonso.