Fernando Alonso sat out the first preseason test in Jerez. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Ferrari Denies Alonso Nursing Rib Injury: Ferrari on Friday denied rumors Fernando Alonso is nursing an injury. Most suspect that the Spaniard is sitting out the Jerez test this week so that the new F138 car can be 'shaken down' by Felipe Massa and Pedro de la Rosa ahead of Alonso's debut on the much more representative Barcelona track. But one or two whispers in the Jerez paddock this week suggested Alonso may have injured a rib while karting last month. However, as the double World Champion is currently running and cycling in Dubai and happily posting photos to Twitter to prove it, a Ferrari spokesperson said on Friday: "It's obvious how hard Fernando is training at the moment. This rumor (about the injury) is utter nonsense and totally untrue," Ferrari added.

Horner Doubts Teams To Drop 'Vanity Panels': Christian Horner thinks 'vanity panels' are here to stay. This year, the FIA has allowed designers to cover the unseemly 'step' in the noses — which were created by an anomaly in the 2012 rules — with a non-structural laminate. Some teams bought into the idea of a smooth nose wholeheartedly for 2013, including McLaren and Ferrari. But others, notably Red Bull, Mercedes and Sauber, adopted a halfway-house solution, while the likes of Lotus and Caterham simply left the full 'step' on. So, with the various solutions now out of the bag, there is speculation in the Jerez test paddock this week that some teams could change their minds in the next few weeks. Referring to the so-called 'vanity panel,' Red Bull's Horner said: "Some teams have opted for it, some have opted for another solution. I think that will remain the same throughout the year," he told British broadcaster Sky.

Smoky Start To De La Rosa's Ferrari Career: Pedro de la Rosa's Ferrari career got off to a smoky start on Friday morning, as the first test of the 2013 preseason wraps up in southern Spain. Taking over from Felipe Massa at Jerez, as Fernando Alonso trains in Dubai, the team's new development driver and Spaniard de la Rosa was on only his second installation lap when he "stopped on track." Ferrari's official Twitter did not mention, though, that the 41-year-old Spaniard had to step out of the new F138 car amid clouds of white smoke. And photographs of the car, taken after it smoked to a halt between turns 7 and 8, showed extensive burn damage at the rear. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported that the cause of the problem was a transmission fault, which is currently being repaired. "It will take a while to hit the track again," confirmed Ferrari.

Di Resta Enjoying Status As Force India's Lone Driver: Paul di Resta has admitted he is quite enjoying his current status as Force India's only race driver. Since parting with now Sauber racer Nico Hulkenberg, the Silverstone-based team has been weighing up its options for 2013, with Jules Bianchi and Adrian Sutil reportedly at the top of the candidates' list. Britain's Daily Mail said the very last place on the 2013 grid should be filled by Force India in time for the forthcoming second preseason test, in Barcelona. But Scot di Resta, although openly disappointed to have missed out on a top seat this year, is quite enjoying the responsibility of being Force India's only driver for now. "It's not affecting me one bit," he insisted. "I'm working away with the people I feel I have to, and in my third season with the team it's good to have the challenge of developing my feedback. We're working away on the small details, as we normally do, but my opinion is obviously being well respected by the team."

Bottas 'Not A Complete Rookie' - Maldonado: Pastor Maldonado, who in 2013 enters his third F1 season with Williams, thinks new teammate Valtteri Bottas will get quickly up to speed. Actually, 23-year-old Finn Bottas is a rookie, and — once the Grove team gets its 2013 car up and running in Barcelona this month — he will have just four days at the wheel before making his Grand Prix debut in Australia. But Venezuelan Maldonado said: "Valtteri has been actively involved in the development (of the FW35) and has done a lot of long days in the simulator. He is not a complete rookie," he told the MTV3 broadcaster. "I believe he will enjoy this season and will be immediately competitive." Indeed, one of departed Williams driver Bruno Senna's complaints was that, despite racing throughout 2012, he usually had to give up his car to Bottas on Friday mornings at Grands Prix. Before and after those race weekends last year, reserve driver Bottas was often seen helping the Williams mechanics and truckies set up and dismantle the garage. The Finn told British Sky television at Jerez: "I promised the guys, even though I am racing now, at least once I will come and help them again."

Newey Wants To 'Manage As Little As Possible': Adrian Newey has revealed a secret of his success at Red Bull — the team lets him get on with the job of designing Formula One cars in peace. "For me, here it's ideal," he is quoted by Speed Week. "I want to manage as little as possible, and spend as much time as possible thinking about the car. At Red Bull that's fundamentally different than when I was with McLaren," the Briton added. Newey, however, acknowledges that he would have enjoyed some more time to stew over the RB9; the new Red Bull with which Sebastian Vettel will charge for an ultra-rare fourth consecutive drivers' title. Newey admits it is a "small miracle" that the RB9 was able to be unveiled at all this week at Jerez, due to Red Bull having to push last year's development right to the end of the title charge. "This is also one of the reasons why the RB9 is an evolution," he said. Finally, Newey gave a sobering analysis of the amount of input Vettel and his experienced teammate Mark Webber have in the design of a new car. "Not so much," he said. "Basically, we know by now exactly what Seb and Mark want from a racing car."

Raikkonen Splits With Wife: Kimi Raikkonen has split with his wife of eight years. When a McLaren driver, the Finn married former Miss Scandinavia Jenni Dahlman in 2004. The Finnish entertainment magazine 7 Paivaa reports that they have split. "It's true. They have grown in different directions," confirmed the now Lotus driver's personal assistant Ridu Kuvaja, according to Finnish daily Ilta Sanomat. The newspaper said Jenni moved out of their EUR 30 million home in Switzerland several weeks ago. Broadcaster MTV3 reports that divorce could be "expensive" for Raikkonen, given his estimated fortune of more than EUR 120 million, including a portfolio of properties.

Sauber Wants Reserve Frijns To Race In 2013: Peter Sauber has urged Robin Frijns, the Swiss F1 team's new reserve driver, to find a race cockpit in another series for 2013. Recently, Dutchman Frijns — the new Formula Renault 3.5 champion — was interpreted as having criticised the Hinwil-based team for not giving him "much to do" in 2013 as he prepares to serve as reserve driver. Team co-owner and founder Peter Sauber reacted: "As far as I understand, some quotes were taken out of context. From our side," he insisted, "it was clear from the outset that he will not be driving on Fridays. But at the same time, it is absolutely in our interest that he races in 2013, simply to stay fresh as a race driver. This is being worked on," Sauber told Speed Week. "I really like Robin," the 69-year-old continued. "He has won in every series in which he has competed. He is a great talent and I am happy that we have him with us." Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn hinted recently that Frijns is seeking to combine his new F1 role with a seat in GP2.