Formula One news

Valencia Day 1: McLaren leads Ferrari

De la Rosa set the pace

McLaren Mercedes test driver Pedro de la Rosa set the pace on the first day of testing since the Australian Grand Prix. Driving the 2004 McLaren at the Valencia circuit in southern Spain, de la Rosa clocked a best time of 1m10.124s to finish ahead of Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer.

It was a warm day at Valencia, the day beginning overcast with air temperature at eleven degress Centigrade before the clouds cleared and allowed ambient conditions to reach 18 degrees Centigrade. The track surface reached 24 degrees Centigrade.

Badoer was fast in old Ferrari

De la Rosa completed 81 laps on his way to the top of the timing sheets and enjoyed just 0.027s advantage over Luca Badoer who was at the wheel of last year's Ferrari F2003-GA. Tomorrow Rubens Barrichello will join Ferrari's test at the circuit and will drive the F2004 while Badoer continues in the F2003-GA. The Braziian was scheduled to test in Italy, but inclement weather conditions forced Ferrari to transport an F2004 to the warmer Valencia circuit.

BAR Honda test driver Anthony Davidson was the only other driver in action. At the wheel of the winter testing concept car he completed 127 laps - the equivalent to over 500km. 

Testing at Valencia continues tomorrow when Williams join the test with Marc Gené; Renault rock up with test driver Franck Montagny; and Toyota with their two test drivers Ricardo Zonta and Ryan Briscoe. 

Stay tuned to F1Racing.net for all the latest from testing.

more news

• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

Homepage