Lew’s off to flying start

LEWIS HAMILTON underlined his world champion status by ending the first week of pre-season testing with the fastest time.

The Mercedes racer was 0.5secs clear of the rest on the Barcelona track and 0.9secs quicker than 2017 title rival, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, despite using a harder tyre.

Hamilton’s pace underlines Mercedes’ pre-season favourites status.

McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne was second fastest, 0.521secs off Hamilton. He was the only driver to use the fastest hyper-soft tyre.