BARCELONA TESTING Day 1: Badoer/Ferrari On Top

(from autosport)

Luca Badoer set the fastest time for Ferrari on the first day of this week's Barcelona test.

The Italian test driver moved to the top of the timesheets with a 1:22.412 during the morning, and continued to lead for the rest of the session, which saw little action in the final hour due to late rain. He spent most of the day focusing on aerodynamic developments.

Fresh from his Montreal victory, Robert Kubica took second place in the BMW Sauber, 0.2 seconds slower than Badoer. The Pole stopped with a mechanical problem early in the day, but was able to continue running after repairs.

David Coulthard and Sebastien Buemi were third and fourth for Red Bull Racing, having shared the single car. Buemi drove in the morning and stopped on track twice, before handing over to Coulthard for the afternoon. The Scot took third despite managing only 21 laps before the rain.

McLaren test driver Gary Paffett completed the top five, ahead of ex-Super Aguri driver Anthony Davidson on his return to testing duties for Honda.

GP2 racer Romain Grosjean had his first full day of testing for Renault, but was delayed with an apparent engine problem early on. He eventually completed 60 laps and was eighth-fastest, between Williams' Nico Hulkenberg and Toyota's Kamui Kobayashi.

"It was a great day and I'm grateful for this opportunity to test the R28 and work with the team," Grosjean said.

"It was interesting to see the difference between a GP2 car and an F1 car which is quite incredible, especially the acceleration and the lateral grip.

"The team made me feel very welcome and everyone was helpful as they knew it was my first time in the car. It was a great experience for me."



Pos Driver Car Time Laps
1. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:22.412 82
2. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) 1:22.682 69
3. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:22.724 21
4. Buemi Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:22.764 79
5. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.938 36
6. Davidson Honda (B) 1:23.208 81
7. Hulkenberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.619 112
8. Grosjean Renault (B) 1:23.899 60
9. Kobayashi Toyota (B) 1:24.442 82

All timing unofficial

 

It appears that Lewis "We don't stop for red lights" Hamilton was not there. Maybe he was attending a beginners driving course.

 

Shows how fast the Ferrari truly is, Badoer was able to clock the fastest time by over 2 tenths.

 

Other than DC and Kubicka, the drivers are all test drivers.

This means nothing.

 

Out with Nelson, in with Romain?

 

I'll bet on that happening for 2009. Grosjean is developing an impressive reputation in the lower formulae.

 

Doesn't your first post describe Luca Badoer as a 'test driver' too?

 

Jeeze, where is the spoiler warning? You totally ruined the whole week of testing results for me!

 

Bummer, I am sorry, Here it is: ***SPOILER***

 

I thought you pronounced it Barthelona

 

Yeth I do.

 

i hope Phil & Kimster will score a crushing 1-2 next week.

 

They have a good chance. Im wondering if Alonso will make it to the finish line.

 

actually, Fred is doing a pretty good job recently. he seemed to shut his mouth and focus he's job in hand.

 

+1

I haven't heard any whining and his driving has been spectacular. Arguably the fastest/best driver on the grid.

 

So shoudn't the race drivers be 1 and 2 then?

 

I don't know about that. He always seems to be dropping hints about next season.