Charles Leclerc began his Ferrari career with a P1 as the chequered flag fell on the Pirelli tyre test, the final out of the 2018 Formula 1 season.

The former Sauber rookie replaced Sebastian Vettel for Wednesday’s running at the Yas Marina circuit and was immediately on the pace.

He went quickest in the opening hour before bettering Vettel’s P1 from Tuesday prior to the lunch break.

He went even faster in the afternoon to end the day, his first official one as a Ferrari driver, with a best time of 1:36.450.

Pierre Gasly was another getting a feel for his new office as he tested the Red Bull RB14. He is replacing Daniel Ricciardo for next year’s championship.

He finished second quickest with a 1m37.916, more than a second slower Leclerc’s best.

For Lance Stroll, Wednesday’s running must have been an enjoyable experience as he not only found himself away from the bottom of the timesheet but in fact finished the day with the third best time.

The former Williams man was once again testing the Force India, his as-yet-to-be-confirmed home for next season.

Valtteri Bottas was fourth quickest on the day ahead of Carlos Sainz, who put in a late 1:38.547 to move up the timesheets in the McLaren.

He finished ahead of Renault test driver Artem Markelov and new Williams signing George Russell.

Daniil Kvyat, Louis Deletraz, who had a spin in the afternoon, Robert Kubica and Antonio Giovinazzi completed the timesheet.

Times
1. Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1m36.450s
2. Pierre Gasly Red Bull 1.466s
3. Lance Stroll Force India 1.594s
4. Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 1.998s
5. Carlos Sainz Jr. McLaren 2.097s
6. Artem Markelov Renault 2.140s
7. George Russell Williams 2.352s
8. Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso 2.412s
9. Louis Deletraz Haas 2.619s
10. Robert Kubica Williams 3.815s
11. Antonio Giovinazzi Sauber 3.985s