Who is testing?

[jido]

Did we see Alonso on the track this year yet? How about Button?

Discuss the latest of pre-season testing!

[Ed]

Hello jido,

There is a separate forum for F1 Testing so your post has been moved.

In answering your questions,

Alonso has yet to test but is expected to test in last year's Renault next week.

I beleive all the other drivers did test in December.

There is plenty of activity in January as the teams start launching their 2008 contenders.

[jido]

Thank you Ed!

Any other titular that did not return to the tracks yet?

[Snowy]

Does anyone have any idea if the cars will be significantly quicker or slower this season? I'd like to have an idea what to look out for as the testing gets serious. De la Rosa clocked a 1m 19.655 at Jerez yesterday which is roughly what was being clocked on the first day of a test there in Jan 07. But I guess they were just pootling about having their promo photos taken.

I would have thought without traction control and a few other engine management gizmos they would be significantly slower than they were at the end of last season.

[Ed]

It is believed that the lack of traction control and engine braking would increase lap times by between one and two seconds depending on the track.

We don't really know what McLaren are doing but their lap times look quick compared to last year. We also don't know if they are as consistent as last year.

Typically over the last few years, what the regulations aim to add to a lap time is wiped out by the car enhancements (mainly aero)!!

[Snowy]

Thanks Ed

According to the F1 official website Lewis did 103 laps and a best time of 1m 19.132s, whilst Heikki did 101 laps and a best time of 1m 19.462s. Not much between them all things considered.

[Snowy]

Friday Jerez testing times:

Lewis - 1m19.691 at 11:08, Heikki - 1m19.752 at 11:21. Nothing in it

[Ed]

Thanks Snowy,

We are updating the tests on the 07-08 testing thread