For the first time in 30 days we’ve finally got some proper F1 action to talk about.
Testing for the 2010 season officially begins today as nine of this year’s teams assemble in Jerez where a total of 19 young drivers will sample F1 cars over the next three days.
Today’s testing line-up
According to the schedule posted on the Circuito do Jerez website and what we’ve seen from the teams, the following driver should be present today:
BMW – Alexander Rossi (USA)
Brawn GP (Mercedes) – Mike Conway (GBR) and Marcus Ericsson (SWE)
Ferrari – Jules Bianchi (FRA)
Force India – Paul di Resta (GBR) and JR Hildebrand (USA)
McLaren – Oliver Turvey (GBR)
Red Bull – Daniel Ricciardo (AUS)
Renault – Bertrand Baguette (BEL)
Toro Rosso – Brendon Hartley (NZ)
Williams – Andy Soucek (ESP)
For more information on these drivers and the others who will be testing this week see here: F1 rookies test: Guide to the drivers
How to follow testing live
It’s been a while since we’ve seen any F1 testing but earlier this year the following sites were giving live updates on the action in a range of languages. If you find any other good sources please post them in the comments:
Some of the drivers have Twitter accounts which you can find in the F1 Twitter directory.
And, of course, post your reaction to testing as-it-happens below as we find out which of the rookies has what it takes to become an F1 driver.
Times from today’s test
1. Andy Soucek, Williams, 1:19.158, 87 laps
2. Paul Di Resta, Force India, 1:19.369, 46 laps
3. Gary Paffett, McLaren, 1:19.426, 54 laps
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull, 1:19.534, 113 laps
5. Jules Bianchi, Ferrari, 1:19.626 91, laps
6. Mike Conway, Brawn-Mercedes, 1:19.920, 58 laps
7. Alexander Rossi, BMW Sauber, 1:20.227, 82 laps
8. Marcus Ericsson, Brawn-Mercedes, 1:20.333, 50 laps
9. Bertrand Baguette, Renault, 1:20.511, 105 laps
10. JR Hildebrand, Force India, 1:20.537, 49 laps
11. Oliver Turvey, McLaren, 1:20.856 27, laps
12. Brendon Hartley, Toro Rosso, 1:21.325, 69 laps
Pictures from today’s test
Here’s a selection of pictures of some of the cars in action today:
Images © Red Bull/Getty, Ferrari spa, Renault/LAT, Force India F1 Team, BMW ag
Prisoner Monkeys
1st December 2009, 7:16
I think Bianchi and Baguette are the only ones who are really worth keeping an eye on.
Mouse_Nightshirt
1st December 2009, 7:52
With a name like that, definitely, I agree :D
JV
1st December 2009, 8:07
I think Paul di resta will also be a driver worth watching.
Gman
1st December 2009, 14:41
Hildebrand will be right there with him…
Wesley
1st December 2009, 23:03
You betcha’ Gman.Wanna see him in an F1 ride soon :)
Fixy (@)
29th July 2011, 20:32
As of 2011 –
Di Resta>F1
Baguette>?
Bianchi>GP2
AP
1st December 2009, 22:54
no… I believe Daniel Ricciardo is the class of the field…ended up 4th fastest after never driven a f1 car apart from in a straight line, and only +0.37 away from Soucek.
Marrc
1st December 2009, 7:22
i would love to be a jerez, steal all the broken parts of the track :) but a team wont pick anyone if theyre not sensible or mature. So i guess it will be good to watch.
Marc
1st December 2009, 7:23
is it the 2010 cars they will be testing or the 2009????
KlBD
1st December 2009, 7:32
Should be the 09 cars, I don’t believe that next year’s cars are built quite yet…
Perhaps we’ll see some prototype parts for next year?
Marrc
1st December 2009, 7:33
thats what i just thinking there, maybe we will see 2009 cars with largert fuel tanks and numerous styles of wings then when it comes to the proper 2010 car testing ( if there is ) we will see a whole new chassis.
luigismen
1st December 2009, 13:06
I don’t think we’re going to see anything about the 2010 cars
raja
6th January 2010, 21:37
its 2009 cars only but,leaped to the year without any upgrade. As the FIA team meet decided in France
yelrom
1st December 2009, 8:19
when does it start?
raja
6th January 2010, 21:43
14 th march 2010 BAHRAIN GP
Katy
1st December 2009, 8:31
Are they allowed to start testing new parts yet? I thought that was banned until the end of the year or something, but I can’t remember now what I read/heard.
Nitpicker
1st December 2009, 10:49
I don’t see why. Teams have been testing new parts all year round in straight-line trials and GP practice sessions.
The cars might be standard 2009 spec in order to evaluate the young drivers though.
Katy
1st December 2009, 8:45
Haha just had a look on one of those sites, and it’s red flagged already. Nice one Hartley.
Ace
1st December 2009, 9:59
Which site are you looking at Katy? I can’t find anything with info..
Katy
1st December 2009, 10:05
These two:
http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http://www.motor21.com/noticia.asp%3Fdt%3D315%26nt%3D75995&sl=es&tl=en
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://www.f1today.nl/live-update/2009/12/01/circuito-de-jerez/&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhhO1xkAgfrXDqiM3o-_GPJKF-DK4g
Ace
1st December 2009, 10:15
¡Excelente! Muchas gracias. :)
steph
1st December 2009, 10:19
Katy you are a life saver!
Ned Flanders
1st December 2009, 12:16
I love looking for funny translations:
Spud
1st December 2009, 18:30
It’s a bit like a mad game of chinese whispers! :P
Myles Woerner
1st December 2009, 9:00
Hey, what about Rossi? I know I may have some American bias, but the kid has some serious potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came away from these tests as the new boy for whom to look out in the future.
christopher (sennaboy3)
1st December 2009, 9:25
Rossi is already stamped as certified talent to watch in the future. Bit premature to talk F1, but give him a couple years!
Nitpicker
1st December 2009, 10:51
ROSSI?!
Oh wait, that’s a different Rossi.
Gman
1st December 2009, 14:42
Spot on bro!
yelrom
1st December 2009, 9:54
where can i see replays or it live?
striay
1st December 2009, 9:59
I AM GOING GUYS!!!!! this afternoon i’m Jerez bound jealous or what!
steph
1st December 2009, 11:06
Take some pics if you can :)
Yes I am very jealous
harry
1st December 2009, 10:02
can you watch it live?
IDR
1st December 2009, 11:20
Provisional timing at 12’30h (GMT+1)
Rossi (BMW) 1:20.484-26v
Bianchi (Ferrari) 1:20.516-52v
Hildebrand (Force India) 1:20.537-39v
Paffet (McLaren) 1:20.675-29v
Soucek (Williams) 1:20.737-33v
Ricciardo (Red Bull) 1:21.052-38v
Conway (Mercedes) 1:21.557-23v
Baguette (Renault) 1:22.051-43v
Hartley (Toro Rosso) 1:44.333-04v
IDR
1st December 2009, 11:21
Timing at 12’03 not 12’30 h. Sorry
striay
1st December 2009, 11:21
Harry:- Yes you can it’s only 5 euros, although the seats are rubbishy. I will take some pic’s don’t worry, Keith has already contacted me :)!! BTW it seems that Ferrari are testing 2010 tires to me!
Random Chimp
1st December 2009, 23:01
Are they Bridgestones?
ajokay
1st December 2009, 11:52
I’m rooting for Bertie Bread… GO BERTIE BREAD!
Deurmat
1st December 2009, 12:37
Me too, hope he does very good and maybe we will have a belgian driver in F1 in 2011
ajokay
1st December 2009, 12:46
That would be nice, it’s been far too long since Thierry Boutsen.
Tim
1st December 2009, 13:35
I think the last Belgian to start a GP was actually Bertrand Gachot in 1995.
Baguette has taken three years to win the WSR and he didn’t exactly dominate, so he’s probably not a hugely hot prospect for F1. I can’t help but wonder, excuse the terrible pun, that his career has gone a little stale after so long in one series…
ajokay
1st December 2009, 14:19
Oh ho ho!
Imagine a team with Gerhard Berger and Bertrand Baguette. Now there’s one tasty driver lineup.
Ned Flanders
1st December 2009, 17:34
With Heinz Harald Frentzen as test driver!!!
BOOM BOOM!
Salty
1st December 2009, 22:14
Berger with Baggette and beans… blimey guys, thought F1 was trying to cut emissions!
Ninad
1st December 2009, 12:00
Alexander Rossi set the pace in the morning session as F1’s young hopefuls hit the Jerez circuit on Tuesday for the start of the three-day young driver test.
Unofficial Times
1 Rossi (BMW) 1:20.484 26 laps
2 Bianchi (Ferrari) 1:20.516 52
3 Hildebrand (Force India) 1:20.537 39 laps
4 Paffet (McLaren) 1:20.675 29 laps
5 Soucek (Williams) 1:20.737 33 laps
6 Ricciardo (Red Bull) 1:21.052 38 laps
7 Conway (Mercedes) 1:21.557 23 laps
8 Baguette (Renault) 1:22.051 43 laps
9 Hartley (Toro Rosso) 1:44.333 04 laps
Scribe
1st December 2009, 12:37
I WANT A LIVE STREAM WAAAA.
wish the beeb covered it like FP, that would make my day.
Anyways Bianchi is definately the most promising out of the practising, his on the trajectory Hamilton and Hulkenburg took.
Good luck next year in GP2.
when we gonna get another decent brit?
Chaili
1st December 2009, 14:40
Good to see the Americans doing well. Maybe we’ve got some F1-worthy talent over here after all (well, if they’re given some time to develop, anyway).
Chaili
1st December 2009, 14:43
Gah, accidentally deleted the part that actually was a reply to your post! I meant to say “Stop being greedy, you’ve had 2 championships in a row!” Lol.
Scribe
1st December 2009, 17:34
Yeah but there is literally no one who looks like a champion in the lower ranks at the mo.
Gman
1st December 2009, 14:46
Then why is Rossi beating him? ;)
Ed
1st December 2009, 12:49
Good to see the Aussie Ricciardo on the top of the timesheets now!
Marrc
1st December 2009, 12:58
Hildebrand doing quite well :D
IDR
1st December 2009, 12:59
Well, now more than ever we all can sing this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaLMFNFlrA8
Felipe and Anna Raffaela welcome Felipe baby!!!!!!
Absolutely off topic, but somebody asked for live stream!!! :-)
Woffin
1st December 2009, 13:05
Im surprised no one mentioned the official F1 site, theres some pics up already :)
http://www.formula1.com/gallery/testing/2009/450.html
spawinte
1st December 2009, 15:01
Ferrari looks so much better without the front wheel fairings.
Hildebrand is doing well considering the series he’s coming from (not a traditional F1 feeder), 1.1 off Paffet who has had lots of time in F1 cars and is in a faster machine.
Chaz
1st December 2009, 15:09
F1 needs huge reforms by Todt as this off season is far to long and excruciating…
Bertie
1st December 2009, 16:13
Where can you find the lap times?
Ed
1st December 2009, 16:20
Day is over
Results:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Soucek Williams 1m19.158s 87
2. Di Resta Force India 1m19.369s + 0.221s 46
3. Paffett McLaren 1m19.426s + 0.268s 54
4. Ricciardo Red Bull 1m19.534s + 0.376s 112
5. Bianchi Ferrari 1m19.626s + 0.486s 90
6. Conway Brawn 1m19.920s + 0.762s 58
7. Rossi Sauber 1m20.227s + 1.069s 82
8. Ericsson Brawn 1m20.333s + 1.175s 49
9. Baguette Renault 1m20.511s + 1.363s 105
10. Hildebrand Force India 1m20.537s + 1.379s 49
11. Turvey McLaren 1m20.856s + 1.698s 27
11. Hartley Toro Rosso 1m21.325s + 2.167s 69
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80386
subrozzo
1st December 2009, 16:48
hey people any idea what those extra long parts on the mclaren and ferrari air intakes(top) are for ? never seen them before
sheep
1st December 2009, 17:37
Almost certainly antennas for sending/receiving telemetry.
I suppose they could be testing HD video feed transmission, too.
sheep
1st December 2009, 17:41
… and the Mclaren definitely has a pitot-static tube on there, too.
Red Andy
1st December 2009, 17:04
Interesting to see Soucek leading the timesheets, even though we’ve all been told F2 is a worthless category and having won the title there is basically meaningless.
KlBD
1st December 2009, 18:16
Anyone know what kind of helmet Soucek is wearing? Sebastien Loeb was wearing the same type during his test as well
Deurmat
1st December 2009, 18:31
His normal helmet but in the colors of williams
Scribe
1st December 2009, 19:25
Sorry but
whats that MASSIVE thing stuck on top of the ferrari, it like they tried to turn it into jaws or something. Im sure its got a technical use but what exactly
rfs
1st December 2009, 19:30
I’m pretty sure that’s the antenna they use to collect telemetry.
Robbert
1st December 2009, 19:53
Looks like a Pitot tube used to measure airspeed.
Robbert
1st December 2009, 19:57
Some more technical information about the use in racing: http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/other/301744/how-to-use-pitot-tubes.html
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
1st December 2009, 21:37
Press releases from several teams:
Force India
Force India young driver test starts in Jerez
Jerez test report – day one of three
1 December 2009 – Paul di Resta and JR Hildebrand both got their first taste of the Force India Formula One Team’s 2009 challenger, the VJM02, at the Circuit de Jerez in southern Spain.
Twenty-one year-old Indy Lights champion JR Hildebrand took to the 4.337km track in the morning to complete baseline runs and circuit familiarisation to prepare for the coming two days. The young American completed 49 laps with a best time of 1min 20.537, the fifth quickest time of the morning. As track conditions improved overall times dropped and his lap was eventually the 10th quickest of the day.
Scot Paul di Resta took over the VJM02 after the midday lunchbreak and similarly worked through a programme to get fully comfortable in the car. With weather clear and good mechanical reliability, the 23-year-old from West Lothian was able to complete 46 laps with a fastest time of 1min 19.369, the second quickest lap of the day.
Paul will continue in the car tomorrow morning before JR takes over in the afternoon.
JR Hildebrand
I was really impressed with the ability of the car. It is different in every way to what I’m used to, both in terms of the outright speed, but also in terms of the characteristics of the car and how it behaves, brakes and drives through corners. Having raced on ovals I’m used to a high top speed, so that wasn’t too much of a shock, but the amount of load it runs and how much speed you can carry through the corner took some getting used to. The track was clearly improving throughout the morning, so based on the program we were running, in terms of relative pace we were doing pretty well. I felt I was getting there and was starting to get the most out of the car, particularly towards the end of the morning. I think we still had some free time in the car. I lost my best lap by using a bit too much of the road and on my last run I just flat spotted the tyres straight out of the pits, which made a drastic difference in how good the car was and I really couldn’t get the ultimate laptime from it. It was a little bit frustrating from the standpoint of losing the last two runs, but we were fifth quickest when my day was effectively done so I was pretty happy with my first outing.
Paul di Resta
Today was very constructive and we achieved what we wanted to achieve, which was to get familiar with the car and build up to speed slowly to fully prepare for the rest of the test. We tried a few different things, worked on a few set-up items and certainly went forward. That was the main goal, just building up on my side, learning more and moving forward together with the team. The VJM02 is certainly impressive and although I am still learning, I felt I could get to grips with it fairly quickly. I’ve driven the McLaren twice before and this experience has helped me today, but for sure there’s a lot of difference between the last time and today. It’s obviously a new circuit and the car is built to the new regulations with slick tyres and less downforce but it behaved as I expected and we didn’t have any issues at all. We were quite fortunate in that we got a lot of time and there weren’t many stoppages. I wasn’t trying to go for a time as such, just to get the most out of the car and myself to set up for the coming two days. In the end I could set a good time, but this wasn’t the overall goal for today. The team will have a different approach tomorrow and we will be testing some 2010 development parts but the aim will be to get as much track time as possible and see how it goes. I’m looking forward to getting back in there and working with the team again.
A full Q&A with JR is available on http://media.forceindiaf1.com. A Q&A with Paul will follow tomorrow.
Dominic Harlow, chief race engineer
Today’s programme allowed both drivers for this test some time to familiarise themselves with the car and team, and complete what amounted to a baseline for the rest of the week. Both of them did a very solid job, and allowed us to carry out background tests that will feed into our 2010 development. These included some aerodynamic measurements and fuel system modifications as well as a large number of smaller items. We are satisfied with having achieved our objectives today and look forward to continuing this work tomorrow.
Testing data
Driver: JR Hildebrand (am) / Paul di Resta (pm)
Track: Circuito de Jerez, Spain
Best lap time: JR: 1min 20.537 / Paul: 1min 19.369
Laps completed: Total 95 (JR 49 / Paul 46)
Kilometres completed: 412km (JR 212.5km / Paul 199.5km)
Air temperature: High of 17C
Track temperature: High of 24C
Weather: Sunny in the morning, overcast in the afternoon but cold throughout
Red Bull
JEREZ TEST, DAY ONE
Driver: Daniel Ricciardo
Car: RB5-02
Time: 1:19.534
Laps: 113
Circuit length: 4.423 km
Fastest Lap: Andy Soucek (Williams) 1:19.158
Several teams are at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit for what has been designated a ‘young driver test’, a measure introduced as a result of the ban on in-season testing. Red Bull Racing is fielding this year’s British Formula 3 Champion and Red Bull Junior Driver, Daniel Ricciardo.
Although the Australian suffered a spin early on in today’s testing, he was soon back on track and ended the day with the fourth fastest time. “I don’t think I stopped smiling all day,” he said after the session was over. “Working with the team was great and they let me go at my own pace until I built up some confidence. After that, we began working on things that will be useful for next season. This was the first time I’ve ever driven a Formula One car round corners, having previously only done a straight line test and I have to say, it’s got more grip than anything else I’ve ever driven.”
The team was impressed with Daniel’s first drive and, as he seems to have survived the physical demands of a day in the cockpit of a Formula One car, he should be back in action tomorrow, when the testing continues.
Mercedes
The team’s first testing action since the start of the 2009 Formula One season in March got underway today
with the first day of the Young Driver test in Jerez.
Mike Conway and Marcus Ericsson are driving for the team this week in the Brawn-Mercedes BGP 001 car.
Mike began the on-track action this morning completing 58 laps as he acclimatised to the car and then worked
through an aerodynamic evaluation. Marcus took over for the afternoon session for his first drive in a Formula
One car and had the opportunity to familiarise himself with the BGP 001 and the circuit over 50 laps.
Toro Rosso
JEREZ TEST – DAY 1 1 December 2009
Circuit: Jerez de la Frontera – 4.423 kms
Driver: Brendon Hartley
Chassis: STR4 – 03
Best time: 1:21.325, 69 laps
It is “kindergarten week” at the Jerez circuit in Southern Spain as several Formula 1 teams are taking part in a three day session specifically aimed at young drivers. The criterion for taking part in the test is that a driver should not have driven in more than three Formula 1 Grands Prix.
Today, Brendon Hartley was at the wheel of the STR4. His
programme did not get off to the best of starts, as he spun at the fast right hander, following the chicane, having just switched to different aero settings on the car. The damage was repaired in time for the New Zealander to get back on track by the end of the morning. His programme had three main elements: aero measurement testing in view of 2010, running the car with ballast to simulate the weight of next year’s cars on full tanks, as refueling is banned, and carrying out some brake testing.
“Apart from going off the track early on, I was generally happy with the way the day went, as I had not driven an F1 car for a while, so now I’m looking forward to making the best of Thursday when I get another run.”
Tomorrow, the STR4 will be entrusted to Mirko Bortolotti.
BMW
Young Driver Days in Jerez.
December 1st – 3rd 2009
Day one – Tuesday
Weather conditions: sunny and dry
Temperature Air: 4 – 19 °C, Track: 8 – 25 °C
Number of drivers participating: 12 from 9 teams Fastest lap overall: Andy Soucek (Williams) 1:19.158 min
Circuit length: 4.428 km
Alexander Rossi (US) Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.09-07 / BMW 86/9
Test kilometres today: 363 (82 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:20.227 min
Programme: Alexander Rossi and the BMW Sauber F1 Team both enjoyed a smooth test day in Jerez with ideal track conditions. In the morning the 18-year-old from Nevada City, California (USA), focused on familiarising himself with the track and the car. After each stint the driver and engineers exchanged information and talked about their respective impressions. In the afternoon the team made several changes to the car’s set-up – both aero and mechanical – in order to give Alexander the opportunity to evaluate the changes and get a better feeling for the car. The team was very happy with Alexander’s feedback and how he coped physically with driving an Formula One car. Also the team decided not to send him out with an extra low fuel load. Alexander Rossi said: “I very much enjoyed this day. It is impressive what the car does, how predictable and precise its reactions are, and how high the overall grip level is. But I have to admit I am also a little bit disappointed because being a racing driver you always want to be the fastest! I think in the afternoon we didn’t manage to find the perfect balance. Physically I have to say it was as demanding as I expected it would be. The power steering is a great help compared to GP2, but the g forces obviously are higher.”
What comes next: Tomorrow, Wednesday, it will be 18 year old Mexican Esteban Gutierrez who will be enjoying his first taste of driving a Formula One car.
Ferrari
Maranello, 1 December 2009
Circuit: Autodromo di Jerez – 4,428 km
Driver: Jules Bianchi
Car: Ferrari F60
Weather: air temperature 6/15 °C, track temperature 6/22 °C. Sunny sky.
Today a private test session, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro dedicates to young drivers, started in Jerez de la Frontera in the South of Spain.
The session’s programme included for today the debut of Jules Bianchi behind the wheel of a Formula 1 single-seater. The young Frenchman, part of the group of Ferrari drivers, went on the track for a total of 91 laps, driving the fastest in a time of 1.19.626.
The tests will proceed tomorrow, again with Bianchi on the track.
Prisoner Monkeys
1st December 2009, 22:40
I see Williams have continued their 2009 trend of being fastest when it doesn’t count for anything.
thestig84
1st December 2009, 22:48
The mclaren was pre Nurburgring spec. Any ideas why?? Seems like a good lap time from Paffet considering.
Simon Hull
1st December 2009, 23:00
I wish the BBC would show these test days on the red button. How come Gary Paffet qualifies for the young driver test? Any ideas?
Ace
1st December 2009, 23:41
I believe the drivers need to have completed less than 3 Grands Prix to qualify as a ‘young driver’.
erturista
2nd December 2009, 0:29
Keith, which country does Bianchi come from? :)
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
2nd December 2009, 0:59
He’s from Nice in France.
wasiF1
2nd December 2009, 1:33
There are only 100 days to go for the Australian Grand Prix.So the 2010 season starts now,all teams will use these data from Jerez test to help build their car for 2010.
ALL THE BEST EVERYONE.
Brian
2nd December 2009, 1:33
As a Canadian I am very upset that Robert Wickens wasn’t given a test spot. He did good in F2 this year and deserves a shot in an F1 car.
F1 needs a Canadian and an American driver. Okay, well maybe they don’t NEED any, but it would be nice to see. Too many brits and Germans on the grid. lol. jk, sort of.
David A
2nd December 2009, 2:26
The very last we’ll see of BMW on track, this makes me feel quite sad…
Leaf
2nd December 2009, 7:01
I just read Andy Soucek is confident of making the grid in F1 in 2010 based on his fast test in the Williams. Really? Thats what blows me away about F1 these days. One good test…He’ll be getting a drive next season. A good result in the first GP of the season…He is in contention for the WC! I mean can we all just relax a little? Not everyone can do a Raikkonen and do what, 4 open wheel races and get into F1.
erturista
2nd December 2009, 23:55
Keith, thanks for the answer, but I was joking as you wrote (FER) aside to his name in the article :) but it seems you noticed and corrected it! :)
Congrats for the job on this blog!