A new era in F1 opens in Barcelona

A new chapter in Formula 1 was opened today as most of the teams took to the Barcelona circuit for the first tests ahead of the 2009 season.

The new aerodynamic regulations and the use of slick tires will revolutionize the cars. Something that was already evident when the first single-seater took to the Spanish track this morning.

The teams will take advantage of these tests to learn a bit more about the KERS that will be used next season.

The BMW-Sauber team’s car, which is already using the 2009 aerodynamic package, was the one that attracted the most comments.

With an almost flat front wing, the single-seater is significantly different from the F1.08.

It will be Christian Klien, BMW-Sauber test driver, and Robert Kubica who will be on track during these three days. The KERS will be tested by the German team.

Williams is also testing part of its 2009 aerodynamic package.

The Scuderia Ferrari, recent world champion, will have two cars on the track. The first with a 2009 aerodynamic package, and the second will be an F2008 with a few different parameters. The first has been equipped with ballast that allows simulating the weight of the KERS.

McLaren will also work on its KERS thanks to Pedro de la Rosa in action in an MP4/23.

The official tire supplier Bridgestone offers two different compounds for these tests.

Most teams have between 10 and 20 sets of tires at their disposal.

The other event of the day will be the presence of five-time world rally champion Sébastien Loeb aboard a Red Bull F1.