Testing starts at various circuits

This week's testing started on Tuesday and three teams were in action at three different circuits. Ferrari was on track at Mugello with its two test drivers, Luca Badoer and Marc Gené, each behind the wheel of an F2005. For Gené it was his first time driving the new car.

Tyres and aerodynamics were the focus and Badoer was the quicker of the two with a time of 1:22.416. Both drivers utilised the short version of the track as well as the full distance. Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello will be on duty tomorrow.

Williams ran solo at Silverstone with Mark Webber and team test driver Antonio Pizzonia doing the work. Their programme of tyres, set up and systems checks was hampered by rain but the pair completed over 100 laps between them.

Webber was the faster of the two with a best time of 1:23.901. Tomorrow newly signed test driver Nico Rosberg will be at work. Rosberg previously tested for the team a few times and is currently competing in the GP2 series. His father Keke was champion with Williams in 1982.

Sauber was the third team running a solo test, on track at Fiorano with Felipe Massa behind the wheel. The Brazilian tried out different front wing configurations and set up for Monaco, as well as brake and suspension work. His best time was 57.870 over 125 laps.

Later this week Renault, Toyota -- who both originally planned to test at Silverstone but switched due to bad weather forecasts -- Red Bull and McLaren are expected to be on track at Jerez in Spain, while BAR and Minardi are scheduled to join Ferrari at Mugello.