I’m at the Circuit de Catalunya for the penultimate day of testing ahead of the 2010 F1 season.
I’ll post as much as I can from the track below and on Twitter so join us to follow the test live here.
Times from today’s test
Driver | Car | Best time | Laps | Difference |
Nico Rosberg | Mercedes W01 | 80.686 | 128 | 0 |
Sebastien Buemi | Toro Rosso-Ferrari STR5 | 81.413 | 106 | 0.727 |
Jenson Button | McLaren-Mercedes MP4-25 | 81.45 | 105 | 0.764 |
Rubens Barrichello | Williams-Cosworth FW32 | 81.975 | 101 | 1.289 |
Felipe Massa | Ferrari F10 | 82.344 | 115 | 1.658 |
Vitaly Petrov | Renault R30 | 82.523 | 68 | 1.837 |
Adrian Sutil | Force India-Mercedes VJM03 | 82.606 | 61 | 1.92 |
Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull-Renault RB6 | 83.123 | 51 | 2.437 |
Jarno Trulli | Lotus-Cosworth T127 | 85.059 | 102 | 4.373 |
Kamui Kobayashi | BMW Sauber-Ferrari C29 | 86.216 | 105 | 5.53 |
Timo Glock | Virgin-Cosworth VR-01 | 86.305 | 31 | 5.619 |
Testing notes
If the first sets of times from Barcelona have shown us anything, it’s that the new teams have the most ground to make up on tracks like the Circuit de Catalunya which place a high emphasis on efficient aerodynamics.
I’m going to be at the track today. It’s my first ever visit to the venue so I don’t know exactly what to expect when I get there, so please bear with me if updates come through a little slowly to begin with.
I hope to get a close look at what stint times the drivers are doing so I can share the information with you and hopefully get a firm idea who is strongest heading into the first race. But it’s clear from what we’ve seen so far this is the hardest pre-season testing form to read in a long time.
Today’s testing line-up
McLaren MP4-25 – Jenson Button
Mercedes W01 – Nico Rosberg
Red Bull RB6 – Sebastian Vettel
Ferrari F10 – Felipe Massa
Williams FW32 – Rubens Barrichello
BMW Sauber C29 – Kamui Kobayashi
Renault R30 – Robert Kubica
Force India VJM03 – Adrian Sutil
Toro Rosso STR5 – Sebastien Buemi
Virgin VR-01 – Timo Glock
Lotus T127 – Jarno Trulli
The track: Circuit de Catalunya
The final test of 2010 is being held at the Circuit de Catalunya, where the teams will return later this year for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Rubens Barrichello set the fastest time during last year’s Spanish Grand Prix race weekend with a 1’19.954 in Q2. The fastest lap of the race itself was also set by Barrichello, a 1’22.762,
For further comparison, Valentino Rossi lapped the track in a 2008-specification Ferrari on GP2 slick tyres in a time of 1’21.900 earlier this year.
Live Tweets and times
Check out MSFree.gr for live times from the track during the test.
Here’s the latest Tweets from people at the track, including me:
If you would like to suggest a Twitter feed to add to the list, please name them in the comments. The list only updates when this page is refreshed.
2010 F1 testing
- Jerez test 2 statistics
- F1 testing pictures: 20th February
- 2010 F1 testing live: 20th February
- F1 testing pictures: 19th February
- 2010 F1 testing live: 19th February
- F1 testing pictures: 18th February
- 2010 F1 testing live: 18th February
- F1 testing in pictures: 17th February
- 2010 F1 testing live: 17th February
- Who’s fast and who’s not? A closer look at the lap times from Jerez testing
- Jerez test 1 statistics
- F1 testing pictures: 13th February
- F1 testing live: 13th February
- F1 testing pictures: 12th February
- 2010 F1 testing live: 12th February
- F1 testing pictures: 11th February
- 2010 F1 testing live: 11th February
- F1 testing pictures: 10th February
- 2010 F1 testing live: 10th February
- F1 testing review: Valencia (Pictures)
- F1 testing pictures: February 3rd
- 2010 F1 testing: February 3rd
- F1 testing pictures: February 2nd
- 2010 F1 testing: February 2nd
- 2010 F1 testing: February 1st
tommy boi
27th February 2010, 6:39
renault is supposed to get aero update today. Might improve their (so far) slow car.
MattP
27th February 2010, 7:09
I get the impression that nobody has really been able to read anything into the times at all, so its been assumed that the “top four” teams are the quickest. I really think nobody has any real idea yet, which is awesome!
nomeg
27th February 2010, 7:28
For those who want another website w/ the “Live” timings…in French : http://www.f1-direct.fr/live-essais-prives.php
Better than Greek, no ?
wasiF1
27th February 2010, 8:12
Can anyone tell me who are participating today?
thestig84
27th February 2010, 8:31
Read the article. Its in there!
wasiF1
27th February 2010, 8:34
Thanks I missed that
Calum
27th February 2010, 8:28
My opinion, but what do I know:
Ferrari>Mclaren
Redbull>Redbull
Williams>Sauber>Renault
Force India>STR
Virgin Racing>Lotus
AP
27th February 2010, 8:40
? huh i dont understand
Macca
27th February 2010, 8:54
Don’t you mean Red Bull>Mercedes
Calum
27th February 2010, 9:06
Yeah that’s exactly what I meant
Redbull>Mercedes
@AP: I expect Ferrari to be better than Mclaren in the fight for 1st and 2nd, Redbull better than Mercedes in 3rd + 4th battle and so on:
(Ferrari>Mclaren means Ferreri greater than Mclaren)
kem
27th February 2010, 8:29
@ wasiF1 – McLaren Mercedes: Jenson Button, Mercedes Grand Prix: Nico Rosberg, Scuderia Ferrari: Felipe Massa, Sauber-Ferrari: Kamui Kobayashi, Williams-Cosworth: Rubens Barrichello, Renault F1 Team: Robert Kubica , Scuderia Toro Rosso: Sebastien Buemi, Red Bull Racing: Sebastian Vettel, Force India Adrian Sutil, Virgin Racing: Timo Glock and Lotus: Jarno Trulli.
wasiF1
27th February 2010, 8:40
Thanks kem.
sandy
27th February 2010, 8:32
Here’s a comprehensive Stint analysis from yesterday’s test.
Ferrari,Red Bull, Sauber, ToroRosso, Force India’s race simulations compared.
Interesting to say the least. http://bit.ly/akU87O
nick
27th February 2010, 8:55
Thanks Sandy,
Thanks some interesting analysis, its renewed my optimism that it is actually pretty damn open. those stats do point to the possibility of the races actually being quite interesting with cars relative competitiveness changing as fuel loads change. The way I read that graph tells me that given the right conditions the Sauber could snatch a sneeky win at some point. I do suspect that after 3 races or so the teams will get to grips with things more and it will all iron out.
I think the real question should be first car to break down in 2010 in a race. Its going to be one of the new boys, I would be tempted to go with Campos as if they make it race 1 will be almost a shake down run, they are going to have to go out and drive that think in anger on day 1! that is a scary thought!
Macca
27th February 2010, 8:55
I would love you to do another ‘behind the scenes’ article from this different location if that is possible.
david
27th February 2010, 8:59
Toro Rosso Definately should be getting points this year with the new points system and all, but if the track is good an all links up they could be challenging for 4th and 5th, anyone think the same or different ?
FLuidd
27th February 2010, 9:03
I believe you are right they are basically running a the same car as Red Bull….. and this is bad for the sport.
Calum
27th February 2010, 9:39
It’s legal though, in 2007 Spyker complained about the legality of STR having what was essentially a Red Bull customer car and access to parts. All the stewards did was confiscate some components for evidence, but nothing else was done. The stewards rejected Spykers second complaint about it.
I was reading 2007 Season review last night ;)
Dev
27th February 2010, 11:30
they paid Spyker some money to settle the dispute…
VXR
27th February 2010, 12:06
“I believe you are right they are basically running a the same car as Red Bull…..”
They have built their own car for this season. They were allowed special dispensation to use RedBull chassis by the FIA for 2008 and 2009.
nick
27th February 2010, 9:08
I would have to agree David,
having said that I would never say the TR is a bad car, in fact its based on one of the best aerodynamic designs with an engine that we know is a front runner so in theory they should be strong, I would be very interested in seeing what an established driver could do with it that’s for sure, while I know the point in TR is young driver development as they become more Independent of RB it could become their really weakness.
david
27th February 2010, 9:07
Do you still think they are running the same car, even after the rule changes.
I dont know maybe they are but, as you said it is bad for the sport.
VXR
27th February 2010, 12:08
They are using their own car this season, because the FIA are no longer allowing STR to use RedBulls chassis.
nick
27th February 2010, 9:09
I dont think its the same, but being as both RB and TR drew a line on 2009 and went of to both evolve that design they are going to share 98% of the same DNA
irishlad (@irishlad)
27th February 2010, 9:22
1 word to describe Barcelona soon ”Rain”
Damon
27th February 2010, 9:23
Any pictures of the new R30 yet, guys???
irishlad (@irishlad)
27th February 2010, 9:46
http://www.renaultf1.com/Barcelona-Test-Session-Day-2.html
Only picture i can find of the R30
Bruno BaKano
27th February 2010, 12:27
This is a picture of yesterday’s test. It is Kubica dirving, whilst today Petrov has the car.
The rear wing is different, than the one used in Jerez. The bottom is not so curved, so actually the inovative design from the first tests, is becoming more convencional
Compare your pic to this one from Jerez:
http://www.renaultf1.com/local/cache-gd2/42ccb211e3b9c828457f8ff0f19b2e1d.jpg
Not much more noticeable differences in the rest of the car, but I’ll keep an eye on pics from today, with Petrov driving, to check for any improvements. I would bet on development on the front wing, and if tehre are more, it will be on “hidden” places, at least not easy to spot.
verstappen
27th February 2010, 20:21
shame…I loved the inverse bottom shaped one at Jerez
irishlad (@irishlad)
27th February 2010, 9:33
anyone who is bored, give a look at this times from yesterday, a bit like what sandy posted a while ago. very intersting.
http://i.imgur.com/wt0I0.png
JUGNU
27th February 2010, 10:46
Somebody can please put up link of http://www.msfree.gr
I am not understanding the language.
irishlad (@irishlad)
27th February 2010, 10:49
http://www.msfree.gr/ms.php?id=11020
that should bring you straight to the timings.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
27th February 2010, 11:06
About an hour before lunch, Trulli is doing a race simulation which was interrupted by the red flag caused by Barrichello’s spin.
Renault say they’re going to be trying different fuel loads followed by qualifying and race simulations.
JUGNU
27th February 2010, 11:07
david
Thanks.
Mark
27th February 2010, 11:34
anyone else notice the new ferrari shark fin engine cover on friday?
Bolut
27th February 2010, 11:38
No, really? Where? :)
Mark
27th February 2010, 17:53
its not that clear but if you look at some of the friday testing pictures you can just make it out. i missed it until i caught a reflection in it. thought is must have been made clear if i had missed it so many times so checked pictures and definatly only there on friday.
also a slightly remastered front wing.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
27th February 2010, 12:07
Here’s the best times by each driver as we head into the lunch break;
Nico Rosberg 1’20.681 (56 laps)
Sebastien Buemi 1’21.413 (34)
Adrian Sutil 1’22.951 (22)
Felipe Massa 1’23.490 (37)
Rubens Barrichello 1’23.976 (40)
Jarno Trulli 1’25.059 (61)
Kamui Kobayashi 1’26.216 (77)
Vitaly Petrov 1’26.346 (23)
Jenson Button 1’36.667 (21)
Timo Glock No Time (16)
Sebastian Vettel No Time (3)
chip
27th February 2010, 12:14
it will be ferrari/red bull then mercedes, rosberg will have a beta year than m.s. Mclaren are way behind those 3. Nt a perfect design without kers.
alex
27th February 2010, 12:30
what are you on about i think of all teams mclaren have performed the best.
and mercedes, from the way i see it there car isnt as good a renault, bmw or even toro rosso
for me personally it goes malaren, bmw and then ferrari.
statix
27th February 2010, 22:39
sauber runs on low fuel… i would take a closer look at r30. pace not bad (in jerez it was 2nd) but kubica said he did not run on low fuel yet.
VXR
27th February 2010, 12:15
Sutil sums up perfectly what 2010 F1 will be like:
“For sure the times of sprint racing are over,” he said. “You have to take it easy, make the tyres last as long as possible and save some fuel. In the last 20-30 minutes you can start to push and take it to the limit. It’s more endurance style racing that’s required at the moment.”
“You need to change certain things and probably also your driving style. I think it’s a new challenge, but probably not the most interesting challenge. I love to go to the limit and push it all the race through, that’s what I was used to in the last few years. It’s a new experience probably for most people in F1.”
HounslowBusGarage
27th February 2010, 12:28
Interesting quote from Sutil. But this sentence worries me a bit “I think it’s a new challenge, but probably not the most interesting challenge.”
Doesn’t exactly sound like a recipe for excitement does it? Hope he’s wrong.
VXR
27th February 2010, 12:31
I think that particular sentence is more to do with what the driver feels rather than what the spectator sees.
matt88
27th February 2010, 13:05
According to Sutil, F1 racing is just matter of pushing hard the gas pedal.
If it were so, I’d ask why races should last over 300 km…
I don’t think that the best pilot is only who’s got the best sense of limit in the optimal car conditions, the best pilot has to be a good manager of the car, with a smooth driving style, etc. and has to be able to feel how the car’s limit changes all along the race.
I believe that this year, with the refuelling ban and with so similar cars and big question marks about their performances, we’ll see the distance between real drivers and common mortals.
Bruno BaKano
27th February 2010, 12:30
For me what is most interesting is that yesterday Schumi said the W01 is not as fast as expected and they have to improve in order to chalenge for race wins, but today, Rosberg comes and takes 1s to Michael’s time, and currently has the best time of the session…
Curious. Rosberg is making a point here. He wants to show he’s the better guy, for sure.
This will be on the of the key points of the season beggining. The fight (I say it will a war) for the best position inside Mercedes, between Schumi and Rosberg!
VXR
27th February 2010, 12:33
“Rosberg comes and takes 1s to Michael’s time, and currently has the best time of the session…”
How much fuel? Which tyres? Track condition? Car configuration?
FLuidd
27th February 2010, 13:05
they can’t do it better.
Stefan
27th February 2010, 13:10
@ Bruno Bakano
Q. Are you more pleased with the car on low fuel or over a race distance?
Michael Schumacher: I don’t think I have done a qualifying run yet. We are not finished yet, so let’s find out.
There’s the answer, btw 1:19 is possible Button has shown that during last years GP.
Bruno BaKano
27th February 2010, 13:42
The thing is gaining an advantage over your team-mate.
Smae thing hapenned in the first test on Jerez. Rosberg was the first to test the car. Micahel comes the next day, after years of retirement and nails a better time.
Of course that it doesn’t mean anyhting, its not because Rosberg made a 1s better time that it means he’s 1s faster. But on the “war” against your teammate, the next day after your teammate said the car is not good enough you nad a pretty fast time, that’s a statement, and a bit bold statement from Rosberg.
This is what makes F1 very interesting, all these moves to gain the upper hand.
But you guys now if this time from Rosberg was with low fuel? Is it confirmed or not? Do you think it’s impossible for Rosberg to catch a better feeling on the car and/or make some improvements in the settings and get a 1s fastest time, with same tyres and same fuel?
Too many variables I know, but we I don’t think you can say that Rosberg times is due only to low fuel…
I’ not sure if the session continues in the afternoon or not, but nevertheless after this last testing week, when we compare the times, there will be on fact. One guy is faster then the other. Conditions are unknow so only speculation, but the fact will be that one guy will have a faster time than the other, and that for me it may be interesting.
Regarding Rosberg VS Schumi, its VERY interesnting for me.
sato113
27th February 2010, 13:51
please do another behind the scenes article for Barcelona!
VXR
27th February 2010, 14:03
It’s raining again.
speed0462
27th February 2010, 15:00
http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/photolarge.php?photoID=146734&catID=4534
is that Keith in pic??
david
27th February 2010, 15:07
looking at the pic in the bottom right ,it does look like him :)
wasiF1
27th February 2010, 15:22
Is the track dry now?
BBT
27th February 2010, 15:52
Buttons just gone the fastest McLaren have gone all week
rfs
27th February 2010, 16:06
Has anyone else here been reading the Autosport forums? The McLaren fans there are losing their minds!
Calum
27th February 2010, 19:22
I’m not, I have complete faith that they will have built apon a strong finish to last year, and if there are any problems with this years car, Mclaren will make sure it is sorted with THE best resources in F1!
Marc Connell
27th February 2010, 21:26
why should they? its only TESTING. They try different setups and dont care what position they are. They do what ever it takes to find the right setup for the car. Then when it comes to the race the time matters!
Calum
27th February 2010, 19:23
Disappointed to see Virgin racing (my new second team ;) ) languishing at the bottom of the time charts.
maciek
27th February 2010, 22:57
Fairly candid (as these things go) interview with Kubica in Polish here http://f1.pl/Artykul.82+M5f487691d73.0.html
…. he says there will be aero upgrades tomorrow (mentions front wing) and concedes that aero is what they need to do the most work on.
poppen
25th November 2011, 12:15
I don’t disagree with this blog..