Formula One news

Barcelona Day 1: Massa fastest

On Wednesday testing kicked off at Circuit de Catalunya with nine of the eleven Formula One teams being active in preparations of the British Grand Prix held in less than two weeks. Felipe Massa was the quickest man today.

Testing got underway in damp conditions. The track dried throughout the day. Felipe Massa completed the quickest lap at a dry track around the end of the day. Massa was joined by Ferrari's test driver Luca Badoer.

At Renault Fisichella and Kovalainen were in action. Fisichella was the second fastest driver today, while Kovalainen set the third fastest time. Both cars ran reliably as Giancarlo and Heikki focused on tyre selection for the upcoming race in Silverstone, while Giancarlo also completed an extensive data logging programme.

McLaren's test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett were also present. They worked on a combination of front and rear suspension and aerodynamic developments for the Working based team.

Meanwhile at BMW Sauber they were not able to complete a lot of work in the morning apart from a systems check in the wet. After an early lunch, Jacques Villeneuve did aero work, which produced some promising results for Silverstone the team said, and the Canadian also worked on some set- up work. Robert Kubica worked on a tyre casing programme for Michelin and also the set-up of the car.

During the day testing was stopped once to hold one minute silence for the late Edouard Michelin, who died in a tragic boat accident on Friday.

more news

• 14 Oct.
  • Blair in F1 spotlight again over Ecclestone donation
  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could become night race
  • Haug: Di Resta won't race in F1 next year
  • BMW to support Kubica in his championship battle
  • Bridgestone to bring its hardest compounds to China
  • Glock ready to bounce back
  • Trulli hopes Chinese luck will change
• 13 Oct.
  • Alonso willing to help Massa
  • Brawn: China won't be any different
  • Hamilton blames Massa for crash
  • Kubica not giving up on championship
  • Alonso confident for last two races
• 12 Oct.
  • A point and a crash for Red Bull
  • Ferrari salvages eight crucial points
  • Kubica takes BMW's eleventh podium of season
  • McLaren reels from major blow
  • Second win crowns major Renault pay day
  • Bourdais penalty hands Massa extra point
  • No joy for Williams in Japan
  • Four home points for Toyota
  • Pointless day for Honda
  • Mixed feelings for Force India
  • Hamilton admits mistake, vows to stay aggressive
  • Delighted Alonso celebrates victory
  • Untouchable Alonso storms to second victory
  • Photos: Sunday at Fuji
• 11 Oct.
  • Honda to announce 2009 driver line-up after the season
  • Ferrari faces uphill battle
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Another double top ten for Toro Rosso
  • McLaren delighted with qualifying
  • Back row again for Force India
  • BMW hopes rest with Kubica
  • Alonso keeps Renault competitive
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole

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