Ferrai Barcelona test notes 2008-11-17

First day of testing at the Barcelona circuit

Maranello, 17th November

Circuit: Circuit de Catalunya - 4.655 km
Drivers: Luca Badoer and Marc Gene
Car: F2008
Weather: air temperature 6/18 C, track temperature 8/21 C. Sunny.

Barely two weeks after the end of the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship, testing for next season is already underway, with three days of running at the Catalunya Circuit, near Barcelona.

For Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, its two official test drivers, Luca Badoer and Marc Gene were on track today, both men at the wheel of an F2008 modified to give similar levels of aerodynamic downforce to that predicted to accommodate next year's technical regulations. Both drivers worked on different programmes: Luca began a lengthy engine and gearbox reliability programme, that took up the entire day, while also trying a few new components; Marc, who only had limited mileage available, concentrated on set-up work. Both were on slick tyres.

The day in figures is as follows: 108 laps for Badoer, the quickest in a time of 1.23.264, 33 for Gene, who set a best time of 1.24.177.

Testing continues here tomorrow, again with the two test drivers on track.

-credit: ferrari