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The final test of the year got underway at Jerez in Spain yesterday, and for the first two days BMW have topped the tables. The first day only saw the Swiss-German team run with Honda and Williams, and all three teams utilised a young driver in their cars, as permitted under the testing regulations. BMW gave Marko Asmer a full days drive in the F1.08, while Honda let Mike Conway loose in the RA108 and Williams ran with Dani Clos, the Spaniard making his debut in a Formula One car. Continue Reading

The third day of testing at Jerez came to its conclusion a short while ago, and despite the drizzly weather (or maybe because of it) Timo Glock managed to place his Toyota at the top of the tables. The German completed 96 laps and finished ahead of Lewis Hamilton, partnering his team mate Heikki Kovalainen for today. And the top three was rounded off with Fernando Alonso, only completing 49 laps on route to a 1m20.363s. Continue Reading

On his debut-run in the Renault, a car which he contributed to its development little over a year ago, Fernando Alonso has topped the timing sheets, even out-pacing Pedro De La Rosa in the McLaren. In what can only really be described as a wipe the grin off Ron’s face moment, Alonso popped in two quick runs, the fastest being a 1m19.503s, almost 0.15s faster than his fellow countryman. Ferrari weren’t too far behind either, with Kimi Raikkonen going third and Felipe Massa going fifth, both in the new F2008. Continue Reading

The first official test of 2008 got underway today at Spain’s Jerez circuit. It was the Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen who dominated in the new F2008 car, only recently launched earlier in the month. Although Raikkonen set the quickest time by 0.3s, Massa’s day wasn’t without hindrance as he ground to a halt partway through the session. However, from the times set it does look like the 2008 Ferrari, which is still being heavily developed, will surely be able to compete for another title this season. Continue Reading

There weren’t any new cars around as they are still in production, but there were some new faces with new teams and some different liveries. Here are some of the best photographs to come from the recent test session at Jerez. Continue Reading

The second day of testing was completed yesterday at the Spanish Jerez circuit and every team was present. Again, some drivers went out on slick tyres to assess them for Bridgestone with the possibility of smooth rubber being re-introduced in 2009. At the end of the day it was Lewis Hamilton who went fastest on his return to the cockpit, this being the first time he has driving a Formula One car at pace since the Brazilian Grand Prix. His McLaren was stripped of all electronic aids and the Briton apparently enjoyed the experience, having recently driven in the electronic-free GP2 series. Right behind Hamilton was David Coulthard in the Red Bull Racing car, lapping just 0.05s slower. Continue Reading

The final test session of 2007 got underway today, this time the teams heading to Spain’s other test circuit, Jerez. The test will continue through Wednesday and Thursday before everybody breaks up for Christmas and heads home. However, despite the gloomy weather this session is important for many teams as they make final assessments on their 2008 driver line up. A lot of squads need to find a new test driver and Force India need to work out who to put in their cars for next year’s campaign. Continue Reading