Force India Barcelona test notes 2008-11-19

Vettel fastest again on final day in Spain

Sebastian Vettel continued his strong form by topping the final day of this week's Barcelona test, as the two Red Bull teams again monopolised the leading positions in Spain.

On a bright and sunny day at the Catalunya track, Vettel set a best time of 1:19.295 for Red Bull Racing, putting him 0.6 seconds clear of Toro Rosso's Sebastien Bourdais.

The Frenchman beat Sebastien Buemi, one of his two rivals for an STR seat next year, by 0.3 seconds as the Swiss GP2 front-runner completed the top three.

McLaren test driver Gary Paffett was fourth in his KERS-equipped car, ahead of Honda's Jenson Button and BMW Sauber duo Christian Klien and Nick Heidfeld.

Klien was also using a KERS device, while Heidfeld's priority was evaluating the 2009-style aerodynamics and slick tyres. A minor accident caused by a drivetrain problem briefly delayed Klien during the morning.

Bruno Senna made his case for a 2009 Honda race drive by taking eighth place on his first full day in a Formula One car. The Brazilian was only 0.3 seconds slower than teammate Button, and 0.6 seconds quicker than his rival Lucas di Grassi had managed yesterday.

Renault's Nelson Piquet and Williams test driver Nico Hulkenberg completed the top ten, with Luca Badoer 11th as Ferrari focused mainly on engine and gearbox reliability, and Giancarlo Fisichella and Pedro de la Rosa bringing up the rear for Force India.

-credit: force india