Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Barcelona

"This season is really not getting going for Lewis Hamilton. The world champion really needs to develop some momentum and start eating into Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg’s already substantial points lead but his first day’s running here in Spain did not go well. 

"Neither Mercedes driver was that happy with their car, but Hamilton was clearly struggling more - he was 0.2secs down on Rosberg’s best lap on his qualifying simulation run even before he encountered Marcus Ericsson’s dawdling Sauber in the final sector. 

"Another Rosberg victory here would extend the German’s advantage to at least 50 points - two clear wins. Hamilton needs pole badly - and this final practice session will give some indication of whether his overnight homework has paid dividends.”   

Image source, Getty Images

After Mercedes swapped some of Lewis Hamilton's team with Nico Rosberg's, things haven't quite got to plan for the reigning world champion.

Reliability issues have dogged his title defence so far, and he heads into this weekend looking for his first win in seven months.

Things, in contrast, couldn't have gone much better for Rosberg as he chases his fifth win of the season to extend his 43-point gap over Hamilton. It's a situation that might have Hamilton looking enviously over at the other side of the Mercedes garage, but he insists he is happy with his current team.

“I have no intention or any wish to move them around," he said. "The issues we’ve had have had nothing to do with the mechanics. They’ve been doing a fantastic job both for Nico and I over the last three and a half years."

Image source, Getty Images

At what point does Lewis Hamilton start trying to prise his old team for Nico Rosberg?

"Hey guys, what you doing? Playing computers games with Nico? That's cool. Did I tell you I've got the latest console? With virtual reality headsets too. Your welcome to have a go if you fancy?"

"Whattya up to guys? Oh, having a few beers at Nico's, eh? Well I've got VIP entrance tickets to that new super club in town..."

Desperate times, call for desperate measures. We're not quite there yet, but lose out to Rosberg again, and Hamilton might be getting pretty close to calling in a few favours from those super club owners...