Kimi Raikkonen:

“I like driving this track – it is different to other street circuits we have known. Yesterday when I walked the track I thought it would be fun, and today confirmed that impression. There are some very quick parts and almost everywhere there's a lot of room, maybe similar to some of the North American circuits used in the past. They have really done a good job.

“Today, our weekend got off to a good start, but obviously it is far too early to say where we are compared to the opposition. Overtaking? It will be difficult, as always – I hope I don't need to, by getting the best position in qualifying. The set-up we have found today is not bad, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.”

Fernando Alonso:

“We kept to our programme today, which was to complete maximum mileage and verify our simulations. The circuit is both interesting and challenging, and the final sector is definitely my favourite and quite exciting from the cockpit.

“The initial results from today are encouraging, but we must now continue working hard to have a solid qualifying session tomorrow and ensure a good level of performance in the race.”

Jenson Button:

“It was good to finally get out on the new Valencia street circuit today, after previously experiencing the lap on the simulator and having a closer look during our track walk yesterday.

“We were struggling with very low grip this morning, and I'm sure that was the same for everyone out there. The track is very dusty, and if you go off-line your tyres are quickly covered in dirt, which makes it difficult to be consistent.

“We made a lot of changes to the car this afternoon, which have proved positive and provided a great deal of useful information to study this evening. It was nice to do a quick lap at the end on the option tyre. Hopefully we can further improve the car overnight, and be reasonably competitive for qualifying tomorrow.”

Felipe Massa:

“They were two enjoyable sessions, with the lap times tumbling bit-by-bit as the drivers lapped and got confidence in the track layout. The track surface is still very dirty, and it is easy to make mistakes which can lose you precious tenths; to do a good lap time you have to be perfect.

“I like the track – there's a nice atmosphere and I have to say the organisers have done a good job. Today it was important that we find a good base set-up immediately, and we managed to do that.”

Lewis Hamilton: