Formula One news

Ferrari back on top in Bahrain

Ferrari made a clean sweep at the top of the timesheets, with Felipe Massa and Kimi Räikkönen setting the fastest laps of the Bahrain International Circuit, as official Formula One testing resumed for a second three days of testing. The headlines, however, were made by Renault's new Finnish star Heikki Kovalainen after a heavy impact with the Turn 7 barriers brought an end to his day's running and extensive damage to his R27.

As a matter of procedure Kovalainen's accident brought out the ambulance but the 25-year-old emerged unscathed. Toyota's Ralf Schumacher meanwhile handed his car over to test driver Franck Montagny after injuring his back. The German six-time race winner spun on track and hurt his back while bumping over the kerbs. 

Honda's running was made by test drivers Christian Klien and James Rossiter, while the race drivers Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button recovered from an arduous weekend. The team, accompanied by many of the attendant Formula One media, flew out from Bahrain on Saturday evening in order to travel to London's Natural History Museum to reveal the team's 'sponsorless' ecological theme for 2007. The team and media representatives then flew back to Bahrain to continue running the car in its interim all-black testing livery for the remainder of the BIC test. 

Elsewhere in the paddock Mark Webber revealed his new red, white and blue crash helmet design and triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart was a prominent dignitary in the paddock. Tomorrow (February 28) will see the public once again welcomed to enjoy the action at the Bahrain International Circuit.

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