For all you non-belivers in Felipe Massa . . . . . . Massa fastest on first day of Monza test Felipe Massa kicked off this week's major Formula One test at a partly resurfaced Monza in Italy in fine style with the quickest time on the opening day on Tuesday. Although there was minor confusion between the teams about the lap times of several drivers as the test kicked off - probably as a result of the location on the start-finish straight of their timing beams - everyone's data pointed towards Massa being the quickest. Returning to the cockpit for the first time since his victory in Turkey last weekend, Massa dominated proceedings on Ferrari's home turf. Along with test driver Luca Badoer, the team's programme was focused on low downforce set-up and tyres, with some aero configuration work. The best times of the day came in the afternoon once the newly resurfaced part of the track, from the second Lesmo until after the Ascari Chicane, had rubbered in a bit. Ferrari's title rivals Renault were led by Giancarlo Fisichella, who was second or third quickest -depending on whose timing screens you looked at. Beginning Renault's intensive week of work with Michelin, as well as evaluating car developments introduced to try and overcome the loss of mass dampers, Fisichella could not quite match the pace of Massa. Renault also suffered two mechanical failures - one each for Fisichella and test driver Heikki Kovalainen. Mark Webber enjoyed a strong showing for Williams, evaluating Monza specification tyres, despite having a nervous moment when he suffered brake failure at one point. The Australian's future replacement Alexander Wurz was further down the order, having spent the day focusing on tyre construction work for the races after Monza. Honda were led by Anthony Davidson, who worked on general suspension and tyre work. James Rossiter focused on set-up and aero work for Monza. Seventh fastest Jarno Trulli was working on Monza tyre work, while right behind him Sebastian Vettel continued to impress his BMW bosses as he joined team-mate Nick Heidfeld in working on low downforce settings in the morning and tyres in the afternoon. The most disappointed man of the day was Sakon Yamamoto, whose Super Aguri car only made it out of the pits late in the afternoon. On his first lap, the Japanese driver suffered a slow puncture, which is believed to have been caused by a loose screw finding its way between the wheel and tyre. He will be given another morning of running tomorrow. Wednesday will also mark the debut of Honda's 2007 engine, which the Japanese manufacturer are aiming to race this year to take advantage of the end of season engine freeze. Rubens Barrichello has been given the honour of trying it out for the first time and extra engineers have been drafted in by Honda for what will be viewed as a vital test for the team. Today's times *: Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:22.376 73 2. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:22.535 81 3. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:22.743 90 4. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:22.904 88 5. Davidson Honda (M) 1:23.187 97 6. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:23.232 98 7. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:23.426 73 8. Vettel BMW-Sauber (M) 1:23.770 92 9. Rossiter Honda (M) 1:23.909 110 10. Panis Toyota (B) 1:24.038 68 11. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:24.057 87 12. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:24.087 73 13. Jani Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:24.322 92 14. Mondini Midland-Toyota (B) 1:25.525 70 - - - - Can't wait to hear from our good friends from London who went to the Ferrari Owner's F1 Test Day at Monza. They also had some cool photos from the shakedown last January. Carol
Pic of low down force set-up. I always like the thin rear wing of Monza config. Image Unavailable, Please Login
It's just testing. We'll see what happens in quali. The Italian GP should be an exciting race, very fast.
Imo the F1 cars look best at Monza! I predict a victory for Ferrari. They just seem to have the best suited tires for the track and it will most likely be very hot which is another factor to Bridgestone's advantage over Michelin. Renault have shown themselves to have a very good aero package but I think Ferrari has a slightly better one. I can't really see anything to Renault's advantage here. McLaren is just out of the game this year too so why bother speculating about them winning. Honda might be able to put up a fight against the 2 top teams. Will be intersting to see how they fair on a high speed circuit with their new improved car. Isn't Schumacher rumoured to announce if he will be staying with Ferrari next year or not at this race?
People are extremely sensitive about people posting anything that could possibly be new news to them, without it being in the title.
Good for FM. I can't help but notice a few absent names from the list though: like Schumacher, Alonso, and Raikonnen... It seems that more than anything, this proves the car is now the leader in the field.
Ah, I missed that. OK, I had thought the standards had suddenly been changed *** Spoiler **** 2007 schedule
excellent news. i know this is just testing, but reports say that Renault will be particularly hurt here, in monza, due to their loss in mass dampers. i'm predicting a Ferrari win here. also, note that Renault had 2 failures. p/s : anyone knows whose on new and old engines? FA old, Schumi new? thanx in advance
