Algarve Day 1 – 2008 or 2009, Buemi Stays on Top

Sébastien Buemi, on behalf of Scuderia Toro Rosso, recorded the fastest lap during this opening day of testing at Algarve in Portugal. This is the first testing session, bringing together several teams, of the 2009 season.

The weather conditions were unfavorable for the five teams on the track. They had to drive on a wet circuit throughout the session.

Buemi was the only driver behind the wheel of a 2008 version car as the four other teams had their new single-seaters.

The Swiss finished nearly five seconds ahead of Pedro de la Rosa in the McLaren-Mercedes. An encouraging result for the Woking team, which unveiled its MP4/24 last Friday.

The Spanish driver’s car was equipped with a pre-2008 front wing, which offered more stability in wet conditions.

De la Rosa had a lead of about three-tenths of a second over Nico Hülkenberg in the new Williams FW31, specially presented today. Despite the bad weather, the Williams team is happy with its first outing.

Read the statements from the Williams team members by clicking here

Nelson Piquet was in charge of the first laps of the new Renault R29, the Brazilian completed 33 laps. He is 4th on the timesheet.

Read the statements from the Renault team members by clicking here

Kamui Kobayashi for Toyota, whose team was already in action yesterday in Portimao, finished last on this first day of testing at the wheel of the TF109.

« Everything went well today, and I am satisfied with the new car, » said the Japanese driver. « It was an interesting experience to drive with the KERS and we are understanding the system better and better. »

« This is the first time I’m driving on this track and I must say I’m very impressed. The weather was far from ideal, especially in the afternoon. We couldn’t spend as much time on the circuit as we wanted. »

Result of Private Tests Portugal – Day 1 – Monday, January 19, 2009: