F1: Algarve Circuit Debuts with McLaren and Ferrari; Buemi Leads at Jerez

Formula 1

F1: Algarve Circuit Debuts with McLaren and Ferrari; Buemi Leads at Jerez

New Portuguese track received Formula 1 cars for the first time.

RACER & autosport.com | http://www.racer.com/speedtv | Posted December 15, 2008 Algarve, Portugal

Paffett was fastest in Portugal as F1 visited the Algarve circuit for the first time. (LAT Photo)

Formula 1 made its official debut at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, where Ferrari and McLaren kicked off their final test of the year. The day, however, was affected by very strong winds which hampered the teams' progress.

Brazilian Felipe Massa managed just 36 laps before he had to end the test ahead of schedule because he was feeling unwell. His best time was 1:32.926. The other only driver on track today was McLaren's tester Gary Paffett, who covered 63 laps with a best time of 1:31.788. The Briton was using the MP4-23 fitted with the 2009 front wing the team introduced last week at Jerez.

Meanwhile at Jerez in Spain, Sebastien Buemi continued to set the pace. The Swiss driver, who had dominated last week's test at the Spanish track, posted a best time of 1:17.704 in the Red Bull Racing car to finish well clear of his closest rival.

Buemi, in a 2008-spec car, was over 1.5 seconds ahead of Nick Heidfeld in the BMW Sauber F1.08B. The German focused on tire testing and also evaluated different setup options. His day was hindered by a precautionary engine change following a stoppage on track around lunch time. Teammate Christian Klien drove the car fitted with the KERS device and finished as fourth quickest.

The BMW pair were split by New Zealander Brendon Hartley, who made his debut in a public test with the Red Bull Racing team. The British F3 frontrunner had a promising test, finishing just three tenths behind Heidfeld.

Williams's test driver Nico Hulkenberg finished at the bottom of the times after 100 laps.

Jerez F1 testing times – Monday:

1) Buemi, Red Bull-Renault , 1.17.704, 71 laps
2) Heidfeld, BMW-Sauber , 1.19.223, 75
3) Hartley, Red Bull-Renault , 1.19.586, 95
4) Klien, BMW-Sauber , 1.19.655, 95
5) Hulkenberg, Williams-Toyota , 1.20.704, 100