LONDON — Ferrari struck an early blow on Monday with its
2008 car lapping quicker than the new McLaren in Formula One’s first official
test of the year in southern Spain.
World champion Kimi Raikkonen set the pace in Jerez with a
lap time of one minute 19.845 seconds, according to the unofficial circuit
timing.
Brazilian Felipe Massa was second fastest in the other
Ferrari with McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa third on the timesheets in
1:20.548 after sitting out the morning session due to rain.
Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso was fourth with German Sebastian
Vettel at the wheel.
Brazilian Nelson Piquet junior made his first appearance for
Renault since he was confirmed as a full race driver, with Spain’s double world
champion Fernando Alonso due to test on Tuesday in last year’s car.
Briton Lewis Hamilton, the championship runner-up who partnered Alonso at
McLaren last year, will also be in action on Tuesday.
