Testing – Day 1 – Massa and Ferrari impress!

Brazilian Felipe Massa dominated proceedings today in Barcelona for the first day of private testing for the 2008 season. The Scuderia driver sported a new front wing and had the advantage of slick tires to finish nearly three seconds ahead of the rest of the testers.

The return to testing slick tyres (or smooth for French speakers) marked the return of impressive performances in Formula 1. These tyres clearly benefited Massa (Ferrari) and Wurz (Honda) today at the Catalan circuit; they are both at the top of the timing sheet, but the Brazilian was 2.7 seconds ahead of his closest pursuer.

The very good performance of the Ferrari is also due to a new front wing, totally revolutionary with a hole in its center…

Other teams introduced innovations on this first day. This is the case for McLaren, testing a new rear wing, as well as Renault with the front wing. The diamond brand, which is planning other improvements, is expected to bring the W rear wing, so named for its shape.

McLaren and De la Rosa position themselves third of the day despite being around three seconds behind Massa, but on regular radial tires. The Spaniard was the most enduring driver with 113 laps completed at home.

Nick Heidfeld, who set the 4th fastest time in the BMW F1.08, was also active with 105 laps completed but is one of the few drivers, along with Timo Glock (Toyota), who did not run on slicks.

Bridgestone has indeed planned nine sets of slick tires for each team during its tests. The mileage accumulated with them will not be deducted from the quota to allow the Japanese manufacturer to prepare for the 2009 season in a good way.

Nelson Piquet, who is gaining experience with Renault, is 5th and leads a group of 5 drivers within less than 7 tenths. Coulthard (Red Bull) is 6th, ahead of Nakajima (Williams), Glock (Toyota), and Liuzzi (Force India).

There were a total of four red flags today, all caused by harmless off-track excursions. This was the case for Heidfeld, Piquet, Glock, and Nakajima.

Tomorrow, 10 teams will be at work since Super-Aguri is not participating in these trials.

Results of private testing in Barcelona – Day 1