Formula One news

Barcelona Day 1: McLaren and BMW back on track

Paffett in action today

McLaren and BMW kicked off the first major F1 test of the winter today at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona. DTM champion Gary Paffett set the pace as he tested for McLaren. Paffett's success in DTM has given him another chance to impress at the wheel of an F1 car and he will be helping the team out with its testing this winter.

Paffett completed 57 laps, his fastest in 1m20.586s. McLaren test driver Alex Wurz was also in action and finished second fastest just 0.079s behind. Wurz's day was blighted by a mechanical problem early in the morning which meant he completed only ten laps all day.

The only other driver in action today was Nick Heidfeld, back in action after being sidelined for the final few rounds of the season with injury. Heidfeld completed 30 laps at the wheel of his Sauber BMW and finished 0.7s down on Paffett's pace. The team ran the 2005 Sauber with the new BMW V8 engine.

Testing continues tomorrow when Toyota, Williams, Red Bull and Toro Rosso will join the action.

more news

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  • Webber surprised to be in front row
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  • Live: British Grand Prix 1st free practice
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  • Photos: Saturday at Silverstone
• 04 Jul.
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  • Photos: Friday at Silverstone
  • McLaren drivers happy with first day at Silverstone
  • Mixed day for Williams drivers
  • Clutch problems for Glock, new rear wing for Trulli
  • Steady start for Red Bull drivers
  • Donington pleased with F1 contract
  • Kovalainen fastest in the afternoon
  • British Grand Prix moves to Donington
  • Fastest time and heavy crash for Massa
  • British drivers will miss Coulthard
  • Batmobile challenges Glock at Silverstone
• 03 Jul.
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  • Horner will miss good friend and gentleman Coulthard
  • Coulthard to retire at end of season
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  • Raikkonen to use new engine
  • Ecclestone leaves door open for British Grand Prix
• 02 Jul.
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  • Webber: We cannot afford to lose Silverstone too
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• 01 Jul.
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  • Toro Rosso happy with its current drivers
  • Toyota joins forces with Batman
  • Coulthard optimistic for second half of the year
  • Rosberg expects better performance at Silverstone
  • Paul Ricard boss steps down
  • Silverstone Tech File

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