Formula One news

Sato fastest on first day in Barcelona

Takuma Sato was the fastest man out on track as preparations for the 2009 Formula One season began at Circuit de Catalunya. At Honda F1 Bruno Senna enjoyed his Formula 1 debut, while Lucas di Grassi enjoyed his first laps for Honda and Giedo van der Garde with Renault F1.

BMW's new wing

The first of a three-day test clearly showed the aerodynamic changes for 2009. BMW Sauber F1 and Williams F1 were the only teams running the 2009 front and rear wing in Spain. In the morning most teams were still running on grooved tyres to complete their installation runs but around the end of the morning every team switched to slicks. Slicks will be introduced again in 2009.

The times set by the drivers couldn't say much about the quality of the drivers or cars. Most teams switched between slicks and grooved tyres, but even with 2008 and 2009 rear wings. At Scuderia Toro Rosso the team completed its laps with Takuma Sato and Sebastien Buemi who are both in a fight to win a seat at the team for next season. Both drivers completed their laps in the 2008 chassis.

At the Renault F1 team Giedo van der Garde joined Nelson Piquet in the afternoon. The Dutchman earned his day of testing by winning the World Series by Renault championship this season. Van der Garde was pleased with his day of testing and will continue testing on Tuesday.

more news

• 09 Jan.
  • Richards out of Honda running
  • Donington gains planning permission
• 08 Jan.
  • FOTA agrees cost-cutting plans
  • De la Rosa still aiming for race seat in F1
  • A dozen parties interested in Honda
  • Mosley not done yet with cost cuttings
• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
  • Ferrari to use electronic pitstop system in 2009
  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
  • Red Bull's RB5 to debut in February
  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
  • Kubica expecting more accidents
• 03 Jan.
  • Encouraging news for Donington
• 02 Jan.
  • Di Resta still hopeful of F1 drive
  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
  • Hakkinen supports medals system
• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to join Madame Tussauds
  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit
• 26 Dec. '08
  • Montezemolo says KERS introduction is a mistake
• 25 Dec. '08
  • Season's greetings from GPUpdate.net
• 24 Dec. '08
  • Massa against proposed pay cut
  • Ferrari undecided over Schumacher future
  • Karthikeyan not interested in joining Force India

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