Forecasts based on early test results are usually unreliable, but a picture of the 2012 pecking order may already be emerging.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday at Jerez, Michael Schumacher moved to the top of the times in last year’s Mercedes, followed by Mark Webber in Red Bull’s new title-defending RB8.<\/p>\n
“The car was pretty competitive in winter testing last year and it’s the same again this year,” said the Australian driver.<\/p>\n
Much more than a second off the pace, meanwhile, was the radical new Ferrari, whose Felipe Massa could not conceal his negative body-language when speaking with the press.<\/p>\n
While he said the F2012 has “enormous potential”, expert observers report that he was fighting notably with the handling of the car around the southern Spanish venue.<\/p>\n
“There is a lot of work to be done, perhaps more than we expected,” acknowledged the Brazilian.<\/p>\n
“It is a very, very, very different car,” Spain’s El Mundo newspaper quotes him as saying.<\/p>\n
Italian veteran Jarno Trulli, however – a permanent fixture on the grid since the mid 90s – scoffed at those who are already picking winners and losers.<\/p>\n
“Are you kidding?” he said in La Repubblica newspaper.\u00a0 “Only a fool would look at the times in the first days of testing.”<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the paddock rumour mill is buzzing, including with suggestions Schumacher’s best time was boosted by highly competitive components destined for his so-far unrevealed 2012 Mercedes.<\/p>\n
Another rumour is that the W03, to also be raced by Nico Rosberg, is ready to test but Mercedes is holding back a radical secret weapon at the front of the car.<\/p>\n
Webber, however, dismissed Schumacher’s quick time.<\/p>\n
“With the Brazil version of our previous car I would have done a time in the 1.16s,” he laughed, apparently scoffing at Schumacher’s mid-1.18 best.<\/p>\n
Even the seven time world champion admitted Wednesday’s result is not a sign of things to come.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think we can realistically achieve a championship car from where we started last year,” said the 43-year-old German.<\/p>\n
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