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Honda happy with Senna and progress for 2009

Tomba — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:01:00 +0100

The Honda Racing F1 Team today concluded the first test of the winter at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona with Jenson Button and Bruno Senna at the wheel of the Honda cars. While Button focused on the development for 2009, Senna's runs were aimed at making himself more comfortable and finding a good base setup.

Useful test for Red Bull and Vettel

Principessa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00:00 +0100

On the final day of this three day test, Sebastian Vettel once again set the fastest time of the day, working on a programme centred on evaluation of the Bridgestone slick tyres to be used in 2009. The car ran throughout with the levels of downforce that can be expected next year.

McLaren encouraged by increased understanding of KERS device

Principessa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:57:00 +0100

Conclusion of a very productive three-day test for McLaren and Gary’s second and final day in the KERS-equipped MP4-23K. The team had no issues today and was happy with the progress it had made understanding the slick tyres and new aero configurations.

Toro Rosso happy after competitive test session

Principessa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:53:00 +0100

The three day test session at the Spanish Circuit de Catalunya came to an end today, and as was also the case yesterday, the Scuderia Toro Rosso drivers, Bourdais and Buemi, were second and third fastest overall.

Euro Disney pull out of French GP plans

Tomba — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:34:00 +0100

The company Lagardère Sports and Euro Disney abandoned the project to build a Formula 1 circuit at Val-d'Europe. Residents had demonstrated against the noise that will result from holding the French Grand Prix in their region.

Renault satisfied with collected data

Principessa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:51:00 +0100

The ING Renault F1 Team concluded its opening winter test session today at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona. The team continued working with the R28 as Nelson Piquet completed his third day of work this week.

Hard test week comes to a close for Ferrari at Barcelona

Principessa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:48:00 +0100

Luca Badoer's first proper marathon, behind the wheel of the laboratory F2008, is coming to an end. Three days on the track Catalunya, near Barcelona. The main job for the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro's official test driver during these test sessions war to simulate the mileage the V8 has to cover in the next season.

Hydraulic problem for Klien

Principessa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:44:00 +0100

Again the BMW Sauber F1 Team concentrated on evaluation work with the F1.08B interim car. Based on a 2008 chassis with some aerodynamic components complying with the 2009 regulations, the two cars ran for 106 and 88 laps respectively.

Hamilton to be honoured with stamps?

Principessa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:39:00 +0100

According to the British newspaper 'The Times', Lewis Hamilton's World Championship could be immortalised with a set of stamps. The Royal Mail would plan to honour Hamilton's victory with a set of new stamps which would probably be on sale in the new year.

Vettel concludes Barcelona test on top

Principessa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:24:00 +0100

Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel was the fastest man on track during the final day of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya at Barcelona. Vettel was faster than Toro Rosso drivers Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastien Buemi.

Final day for di Grassi as Button joins the action

Principessa — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:53:00 +0100

The Honda Racing F1 Team continued the test programme in Barcelona today with Jenson Button and Lucas Di Grassi at the wheel of the Honda RA108 cars. Jenson joined the team at the Circuit de Catalunya this morning to take over from Alex Wurz for the final two days of the test.

Good start for Vettel with Red Bull

Principessa — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:07:00 +0100

Given that the teams present at this test are running a very wide range of different aerodynamic configurations, in preparation for the 2009 rules, it doesn't mean too much, but nevertheless, Sebastian Vettel's first session as an official Red Bull Racing driver got off to a good start, as he posted today's fastest time.

Oil leak for Paffett

Principessa — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:06:00 +0100

McLaren test driver Gary Paffett switched to MP4-23K - the KERS test car - but his day’s work was cut short at lunchtime when a minor oil leak prompted the team to effect a precautionary switch to the vacant MP4-23. The team spent the afternoon running aero and slick tyre evaluation runs. Gary will return to MP4-23K tomorrow.

De la Rosa denies Force India contract despite recent reports

Principessa — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:57:00 +0100

Rumours that Pedro de la Rosa would race for the Force India F1 Team in 2009 were fed today as the Spaniard got into the VJM-01 at the Circuit de Catalunya. According to the Spanish newspaper 'Diario AS', de la Rosa already signed a contract with the Indian team to replace Giancarlo Fisichella.

Martin Brundle to work for BBC

Principessa — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:43:00 +0100

As from 2009 Formula One will be broadcasted on the BBC instead of on ITV, the British Broadcasting Company started a search for a presenting team. Former F1 driver Martin Brundle confirmed that he would be moving to the BBC and would be part of the 2009 F1 presenting team.