• First Barcelona Test, Day Four

Gutierrez enjoys 'perfect' conditions

Esteban Gutierrez completed 96 laps in the changeable conditions on Friday © Sutton Images

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• Report:
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• Drivers:
• Esteban Gutiérrez

• Teams:
• Alfa Romeo

Esteban Gutierrez described the wet conditions on Friday as "perfect" for him after the end of the second test at Barcelona.

Intermittent light rain saw changeable conditions throughout the morning between intermediate and dry tyres, before heavier rain in the afternoon required full wets. Having never driven a Formula One car in the wet, Gutierrez admitted having the opportunity to gain the experience during pre-season testing was the ideal preparation for him.

"As a rookie I think it was positive," Gutierrez said. "Considering that I didn't know the car in these conditions for me it was perfect to have these conditions because you are between wet and dry. We had full wet, we also had intermediate runs and it was the whole combination of difficult conditions so it was very positive.

"It was very useful, especially for me because I'd never driven a Formula One car in these conditions. We used this time for me to experiment a bit the conversion between wet and dry with the dry tyres being a bit damp and all these things that can be in a race simulation in the future. It was important for me to get to know, and we also used this time to get to know the reaction of the car to improve a little bit on that side."

Having twice caused red flags for running in to the gravel, Gutierrez said he had been encouraged by the team to find the limit in the wet.

"I'm pushing the limit; this is something normal. It's so important to feel the limit the team even mentioned 'you have to push, step by step' so you are allowed! It's important to feel it. It's the only two times I've been off in my four testing days so it was a nice experience today."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.