Ecclestone was presented with a headache by the new Ferrari team principal, Maurizio Arrivabene, who sat in the stands at pre-season testing in protest at plans to cut the number of paddock passes.
“I don’t like the paddock empty, it’s not the right way” said Arrivabene.
In testing itself, Mercedes are well out front. They have completed more laps than anyone else. McLaren struggled again, sitting out the morning before Jenson Button got going in the afternoon.