The Portimao circuit in Portugal’s Algarve region saw the first running of 2009 specification F1 cars on Monday as fice teams took to the track in wet conditions.
New signing Sebastien Buemi lapped in 1:41.528 over the course of 65 laps, the Toro Rosso-Ferrari the only 2008 car running on the day.
Quickest of the new cars was the McLaren MP4-24, driven here by Pedro de la Rosa and some four and half seconds behind the STR. The McLaren ran with 2008 wings as the team struggled with the conditions and concentrated on electrical systems checks.
Nico Hulkenberg handled the debut of the Williams FW31, the car running in an interim dark blue testing livery, and came in little slower than de la Rosa, while Nelson Piquet was at the wheel of the new Renault R29, resplendent in its new Total inspired livery.
Final runner was Kamui Kobayashi, the Japanese running in fifth place in the Toyota TF109.
Written: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:42:06
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