Jerez Day 2 – Kovalainen Goes on the Offensive

While the conditions in Bahrain led BMW Sauber, Ferrari, and Toyota to shorten their testing program, the teams present in Europe at the Jerez circuit were able to enjoy the sunshine on this Wednesday, the second day of testing.

Heikki Kovalainen was back for the McLaren-Mercedes team by running his MP4/24. The team based in Woking had opted for a higher level of downforce last month. This car in Jerez is therefore somewhat different from the first shakedown in wet conditions last month.

Sébastien Buemi still sets the best time for Toro Rosso at the wheel of an STR3, while Kovalainen was the fastest among the drivers running a 2009 car. The Finn completed 110 laps during the day with a best time of 1:20.799 during his 107th lap. This time is 1.4 seconds better than the fastest recorded yesterday, also with the 2009 cars.

After his biking accident during which he broke a leg, Mark Webber made his big return for Red Bull Renault. Consequently, he participated in his first tests with the new RB5 unveiled on Monday.

With Dietrich Mateschitz, team owner, and David Coulthard, his former teammate, watching him from the pits, Webber completed 83 laps without any apparent issues. He secured the third-fastest time of the day, just half a second behind Kovalainen.

Kazuki Nakajima took over at Williams after Nico Hülkenberg yesterday. He is fourth, while Nelson Piquet with Renault, having completed very few laps, seems to be struggling with the R29 package.

Testing will continue tomorrow, Thursday.

Results of Private Tests in Spain – Jerez – Wednesday, February 11, 2009: