No Worries Ahead of Bahrain

Fernando Alonso finished second today in Barcelona testing. The new Ferrari driver is very happy with his car, proclaiming it the best he has ever driven – with the caveat that it may not be the best on the grid. He’s also happy they have no worries ahead of the season beginning in Bahrain, despite the fact that Hulkenberg pipped him to P1 in testing.

Red Bull on a Charge

Mark Webber on the first day of testing in Barcelona today. Webber led the way, giving Red Bull some much needed headlines, as the Australian finished about a second ahead of his nearest rival. Towards the back of the grid, Lotus and Virgin continued to struggle, with di Grassi crashing off halfway through the day. Testing continues tomorrow.

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Some Light on the Matter

The VJM03 sits in the Force India garage, awaiting testing in Jerez last week. The team’s former technical director James Key was confirmed today at BMW Sauber, replacing the outgoing Willy Rampf. Key said that with the ever-changing world of F1, and the team set up as they are, he’s relishing the challenge and thinks they’re in a good position to do well.

Credit: Force India F1

Established Teams Only

Felipe Massa keeps his Ferrari ahead of a following Williams during testing in Jerez last week. In a post on the official website, Ferrari have hit out at the FIA for allowing new teams onto the grid who might not make it. They specifically call out Campos for reorganising their whole management structure and US F1 who have “gone into hiding.”

Credit: Bridgestone Motorsport

The Impression of Speed

Timo Glock gives the impression of speed whilst testing in Jerez last week. Technical Director of Virgin Racing, Nick Wirth, has said that the reliability issues they struggled with in Spain have knocked their pre-season schedule back a little, and that they are now going to turn their attention to Bahrain. He added that they had worked with heavy fuel loads though, and they weren’t worried about the slower times posted.

Credit: Virgin Racing

The Race is On… Already

Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso want the same bit of track as they continue testing in Jerez. Webber went on to finish the day on top, and Ferrari were slightly more content about conditions in Spain, with some dry running to be had. Alonso finished second, behind the Red Bull, whilst testing continues tomorrow.

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Facing Things Head On

Sébastien Buemi awaits permission to leave the garage during testing in Jerez this week. The Toro Rosso suffered hydraulic problems, which halted some of their running. Massa also spent a lot of time in the garage with reliability niggles. Rubens Barrichello posted the fastest time of the day.

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Take Five

Adrian Sutil pulls in for a practice pit stop during Jerez testing last week. COO of Force India Otmar Szafnauer has been talking about his expectations for the team, suggesting they’re hoping for fifth place in the championship in 2010. He also believes they are off to a great start, and will be in a better position than they were this time last year.

Credit: Force India F1

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Mark Webber sits in the RB6, ready to hit the track in testing at Jerez today. The Red Bull made it’s first appearance since the launch, and although Webber could only complete 50 laps, finished second to last, and had some reliability gremlins, the Australian said he felt pretty upbeat after his first day at work.

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Go Force and Prosper

Tonio Liuzzi poses in the half light for Force India. The team launched their new VJM03 today, with an online release of pictures. The car and livery have not changed enormously, but the team aren’t worried about any of the new designs on their rivals. They’re also looking forward to their first test of the year in Jerez this week.

Credit: Force India F1

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