09-Dec-08: Toro Rosso Lead First Jerez Test Day

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Welcome to F1 Minute for the 9th December 2008.

Testing got underway in Jerez this week, with Williams all by themselves yesterday. Formula 3 driver Dani Clos was behind the wheel and got a taste of the team’s KERS package and slick tyres.

Today, Williams were joined by some of their fellow teams, Toro Rosso, McLaren, Ferrari, BMW and Renault. Just like at the last test, there were so many different configurations out on track that the times are most likely meaningless, however Buemi and Bourdais were fastest in the Toro Rosso, followed by Paffet and de la Rosa in the McLaren.

In sponsorship news, Swiss watchmakers Oris have extended their partnership with Williams, whilst Red Bull have signed up with Trust. The company make low-cost computers and gadgets, and Trust CEO Michael Perridon said: “Everyone knows that motorsport and technology go hand in hand.”

Finally today, Trulli has said that although he and Glock’s driving styles are very different, together they can help the development of the 2009 car.

That’s it for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

16-Sep-08: Final In-Season Test Gets Underway at Jerez

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This is F1 Minute for the 16th September.

The final in-season test of 2008 has started at Jerez, with BMW, Williams and Honda turning up for the first day. The teams tested three young drivers: Marko Asmer finished the day on top for BMW, followed by Dani Clos for Williams and Mike Conway for Honda. Both Williams and Honda tested out the new KERS technology, but Honda only managed 20 laps whilst the others completed over 70 each.

Elsewhere today, Ron Dennis has been talking about his team’s relationship with Ferrari, and says things have never been better, despite last year’s spy scandal, and the Belgium penalty incident. Dennis spoke out to put pay to rumours that there might be trouble within the FOTA, and of new chairman di Montezemolo, he said: “Luca is an old friend. Granted, inevitably, our relationship has had its ups and downs as a result of the competitiveness of our respective organisations, but there’s a deep and mutual respect between us.”

That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.