Germany’s two-time defending Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has posted the fastest time in testing in Barcelona.

The 24-year-old Red Bull driver clocked a fastest lap time of 1min 23.265sec in his 79-lap spell on the circuit, with Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo clocking the fourth fastest time of 1min23.618sec in 76 laps.

Testing continues here until Friday and there will be a final series of testing back from March 1-4 before the teams travel to Australia for the opening race of the season in Melbourne on March 18.