Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton fought off cold and wet weather Friday to clock the quickest time of the final day of Formula One preseason testing.

Hamilton, who left McLaren for the German team this season, recorded a time of 1minute, 23.282 seconds on the Catalunya Circuit.

Former teammate Jenson Button steered his McLaren to the session's second best lap, while Jean-Eric Vergne of Toro Rosso was next.

Practice was interrupted by eight red-flag stoppages due to the slippery conditions which gave several drivers problems staying on the track.

Preseason testing returns to northeastern Spain from Feb. 28-March 3 before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 17.