Jerez Day 2: McLaren Head the Field

By Sam Cooper
February 12 2008

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One Team has completed their first day of testing at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain. Race driver Lewis Hamilton and team’s test and reserve driver, Pedro de la Rosa, completed the teams testing duties for the day, while setting 1st and 2nd fastest lap times- 01:19.102 and 01:19.287 respectively.

Topping the time sheets was Lewis Hamilton, who returned to Spain after suffering from racist abuse at last weeks test in Barcelona. Hamilton completed 89 laps concentrating on aerodynamic development, after the test team received new aerodynamic parts half way through the day. McLarens test and reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa ended the day in 2nd place, 0.185 seconds slower than pacesetter Hamilton.

Nick Heidfeld in the second BMW Sauber finished the day in 6th place, Heidfeld focused on setup work and ran system checks on the new F1.08. Red Bull driver Mark Webber finished in 7th place 0.9 seconds slower than, 1st placed Lewis Hamilton.

Nine of the eleven teams tested at the Jerez circuit, since Ferrari and Toyota spent last weekend testing at the Sakir circuit in Bahrain, they will be absent from testing this week in Spain. McLaren’s second driver Heikki Kovalainen will take over from Pedro de la Rosa tomorrow.

Times are shown below.