De la Rosa sets pace on day two at Algarve Motor Park 17 Dec 2008
McLaren’s Pedro de Rosa led the way at this week’s second day of testing at the Algarve Motor Park in Portugal. De la Rosa was the quickest of three drivers present on Tuesday, heading Ferrari’s Luca Badoer and Marc Gene.
Taking over from fellow tester Gary Paffett, De la Rosa spent the whole day in McLaren’s MP4-23K KERS car, completing 68 laps. Despite initial issues with grip caused by the low-speed circuit configuration, green track surface and cold December weather, the Spaniard quickly adapted to the new Portimao track. Alongside the KERS programme, he was also able to complete some 2009 aero testing, using an ‘09-spec front wing and moveable flick-ups.
At Ferrari, both Badoer and Gene continued optimising set-up with Bridgestone’s 2009-spec slick tyres and evaluating new solutions for next season. Badoer also carried on with an endurance engine test which began last week. He ran 71 laps, Gene 51. Both teams will complete their Portimao programmes on Wednesday.
Unofficial Tuesday times from Portimao:
1. Pedr de la Rosa, McLaren, 1:30.080
2. Luca Badoer, Ferrari, 1:31.320
3. Marc Gene, Ferrari, 1:33.076
