F1: New Aero Era Begins in Spain

Formula 1

F1: New Aero Era Begins in Spain

BMW Sauber unveils radical new wings on interim 2009 test car at Barcelona.

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted November 17, 2008 Barcelona, Spain

BMW Sauber's interim car shows one way possible way forward. (LAT photo)

Fifteen days after Formula 1 engines fell silent at the checkered flag of the 2008 season finale, post-season testing on Monday got underway at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.

The first half of the day was an insight into the future of the category, with BMW Sauber using full 2009-specification front and rear wings, in the hands of Christian Klien and Robert Kubica.

The hybrid F1.08 single seater looked radically different to its specification at Interlagos just two weeks ago. All the winglets and aerodynamic finesse have gone, the nose has become fatter, and the long, flat and basic front wing harks back to decades past.

The Williams used by Williams test driver Nico Hulkenberg also featured a high, thin 2009 rear wing, while McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa evaluated Bridgestone's slicks.

Bruno Senna watched from the pits, as his fellow contender for the Honda race seat Lucas di Grassi circulated in an RA108.

Takuma Sato and Sebastien Buemi were both on track for Toro Rosso, and multiple World Eally champion Sebastien Loeb began his full day's test in a Red Bull.

Every team except Toyota is running this week at the Spanish venue.