Formula One returns to action following the post-season break as the first of the winter tests kicks off at the Catalunya Circuit, Barcelona, today.
The three day test sees all teams in action as they run their 2007 cars, but with the standard 2008 ECU and other new regulatory features, including the removal of traction control.
Interest is provided by a number of unusual names in less than familiar teams, although one far from unusual is that of Michael Schumacher, as the seven times world champion returns to the track in the Ferrari F2007. The move has prompted some to speculate the German may be considering a return, but he has confirmed his retirement plans are final.
Other interest centres on Renault, where Heikki Kovalainen will run all three days. The Finn has repeatedly been linked with the vacant Mclaren-Mercedes drive and although he is out of contract at years end, to give him all of the running in Spain has raised the question as to whether Renault wish to retain the promising youngster.
Mclaren will field test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett, Toyota have Jarno Trulli and Franck Montagny on hand, and devutant Andreas Zuber plus James Rossiter will take the wheel at Honda, where we may see new team Principal pay a visit ahead of his official start date.
Sebastien Bourdais, fresh from an emotional final victory in the Champ Car World Series, makes his debut as an official Formula One driver at Toro Rosso, while sister team Red Bull Racing are expected to field David Coulthard and Karun Chandock.
Perhaps the most intriguing line up comes at Force India, the newly renamed and, we are told, repainted former Spyker/Midland outfit.
The Ferrari-engined cars will see no fewer than five drivers take the wheel over the three days, with regular race driver Adrian Sutil joined, variously, by Roldan Rodriguez, Giedo van der Garde and, perhaps more interestingly, Tonio Liuzzi and Christian Klien.
Of the remaining teams, Kazuki Nakajima is in action for Williams, and BMW have both Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld present.
Updatef1 will keep you informed of all the days’ news at the close of play.
Written: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:55:23
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