Ferrari Barcelona test notes 2008-11-18

Testing at the Barcelona circuit

Maranello, 18th November

Circuit: Circuit de Catalunya - 4.655 km
Drivers: Luca Badoer and Marc Gene
Car: F2008
Weather: air temperature 7/13 C, track temperature 8/15 C. Overcast.

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro's test session continued today at the Catalunya Circuit near Barcelona. For the second day, the world champion team's official test drivers, Luca Badoer and Marc Gene were on track.

The two drivers continued with the work programme initiated yesterday, which focused mainly on engine and gearbox reliability for Luca and a comparison of different set-ups for Marc.

The day in figures is as follows: 127 laps for Luca (best time 1.22.425,) 31 for Marc (1.22.772.)

Testing continues at this circuit tomorrow, when Luca Badoer will be the team's sole driver.

Gene: "Great to be back on a real track "

After numerous laps driven wit the simulator and on the Vairano straight for tests of the aero package, Marc Gene is back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 single-seater on areal race track. Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro's official test driver, who was also engaged in other things over the last year [Peugeot driver in the prototype category and Formula 1 commentator on Sky Italia] was happy about the opportunity to drive on his home track: "It's great to taste the Ferrari again on this track. I've worked a lot with this car at Vairano, but a test like this is something completely different. I don't have a huge mileage, because we have to keep in mind that we're close to the 30,000 km limit we can use in 2008; but it's great to be here."

The car is not exactly the same as during the tests of the aero package: "True, we got rid of as many things as possible, to try to create the downforce we'll have the next season. But the main thing is the slicks. I couldn't directly compare them, but the first feeling is that the grip delivered by the new tyres compensates the lower downforce. Personally I'm working with the car's set up, trying to understand the handling with the new tyres. Luca is working on the reliability, especially of the engine, because in the next season it has to live 50% longer."

-credit: ferrari