Formula One news

Kovalainen fastest as Spyker reveals livery

Renault test driver Heikki Kovalainen set the pace on the opening day of testing this week at Silverstone. The Finn finished the day with a best lap of 1m19.125s after 91 laps, 0.2s ahead of Toyota's Ricardo Zonta and Franck Montagny making his debut for the Japanese team.

Eight drivers from five teams were in action today working mainly on preparations for the Japanese Grand Prix, which takes place the weekend after the Chinese race.

Apart from Montagny's new team debut, Nelson Piquet Jr made his debut for Renault and finished fourth fastest after 71 laps, only 0.6s down on Kovalainen. 

Running the Spyker MF1 team's new liver was Christijan Albers on his way to the fifth fastest time taking over after lunch from Adrian Valles who got his first run with the team today. 

At the bottom of the time sheet was Narain Karthikeyan who drove just six laps, but crucially they were at the wheel of a Williams car fitted with a Toyota V8 engine.

Testing continues tomorrow when McLaren will also join in the action. The team was supposed to start work today but only managed a few installation laps with Lewis Hamilton as it awaited a delivery of new Mercedes engines.

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• 24 Nov.
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  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
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  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
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  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
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  • 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
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• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
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• 21 Nov.
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• 20 Nov.
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  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

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