Formula 1 testing resumed today with most of the teams making an appearance at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, the first of three major test sessions at the track this year.
Ten of the eleven teams are expected to test this week, all on Bridgestone tyres. For those who have just swapped to Bridgestone, it is expected they will focus on adapting the cars’ setup to the new tyres.
However, neither Alonso nor Raikkonen are expected to test. Renault and McLaren have contracts with them until the end of 2006 and unless they are released early from these, they will have to wait until the 1st January before turning a wheel in the 2007 spec cars.
Jenson Button will also be missing from this week’s tests – as reported here, Button cracked two ribs in a recent karting accident and will be out until the New Year.
Honda will be running with their new-look car – fully liveried in black. With tobacco advertising banned from 2007, it is expected that many of the other teams will also be running with new graphics.
