2005 DTM champion, Gary Paffett set the pace Monday, as
F1 testing resumed at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona following the post-season break.
Paffett drove McLaren's interim car - the MP4-20B, which has been adjusted to test the new Mercedes V8 engine for 2006. The Englishman, who had tested previously for
McLaren, after winning the 'McLaren Autosport BRDC young driver of the year' award, completed 57 laps, his best a 1 minute 20.586 seconds.
"I'm really happy to drive a
Formula One car again after more than two years, and I particularly enjoy that I can test with McLaren Mercedes," said Paffett. "I gained a lot of experience and completed more than 250 kilometres.
"For me, cornering speeds and braking were most impressive. However, in my opinion the difference between the DTM and the Formula One car is not as big as it was between the Formula 3 and the Formula One car three years ago. Co-operating with the technicians I benefited a lot from my experience in the DTM. I'm already looking forward to continuing testing tomorrow."
Mercedes boss, Norbert Haug said he was 'satisfied' with Paffett's form.
"This test was not only a reward for Gary's DTM title win," explained Haug. "Gary is also integrated in our development programme for the new season. During his 57 laps with our new V8 engine today he provided the technicians with valuable data. Our test team was satisfied with Gary's job on the first day of our preparation programme for the new season; he had a good start with the team."
Alexander Wurz meanwhile also tested in a McLaren MP4-20B with the new V8 engine however he completed just 10 laps after transmission problems in the morning, which were further compounded by hydraulic issues.
"It was great to be back in action today at the Circuit de Catalunya, however my running was limited because of the small issues with the car, which have now been resolved," stated the Austrian. "I am looking forward to be back behind the wheel tomorrow to really experience the Mercedes-Benz V8 and being able to put in more laps."
