First Formula One test underway at Algarve Motor Park 15 Dec 2008
The first Formula One test at Portugal’s Algarve Motor Park begins on Monday as Ferrari and McLaren start a three-day session at the new circuit. Testing is also going on simultaneously in Spain and Bahrain.
The 4.7-kilometre Algarve track, which gained FIA approval in September, is situated near Portimao on Portugal’s southern coast and features a variable layout and a high-tech sprinkler system able to simulate a wide range of wet-weather track conditions.
Elsewhere, Williams, BMW Sauber and Red Bull are due on track at Jerez. Sebastien Buemi will return to his familiar role of Red Bull tester after topping the times for Toro Rosso at the track last week.
With Mark Webber out with a broken leg until February, Buemi will be joined by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Junior team member, New Zealander Brendan Hartley, who has previously conducted shakedown duties for Toro Rosso.
Finally, Toyota are expected continue their exclusive session at the Bahrain International Circuit after running Jarno Trulli and Dutch youngster Henki Waldschmidt at the Sakhir track last week.
As always, Formula1.com will bring you breaking news, daily reports and the latest images from testing, so check back throughout the week for the latest on the teams’ progress. Note - all schedules are provisional and subject to change.
