Ferrari remained on top on the second day of testing in Bahrain this week, with reigning
Formula 1 World Champion
Kimi Raikkonen comfortably leading the way as both the Italian outfit and Toyota took to the track once more.
Raikkonen and the Scuderia's test driver Luca Badoer each worked on different programmes on Tuesday, aided by milder weather conditions compared to day one, with considerably less wind.
The Finn conducted a grand prix simulation ahead of
F1's visit to the Sakhir circuit in April, including the three qualifying sections and entire race, complete with refuelling and tyre-changing pit-stops. He recorded a best time of 1min 30.595secs at the end of 77 laps.
Badoer, for his part, concentrated on general development of the new F2008, as well as trying out different set-ups on the car. He wound up second-quickest after covering 64 laps, albeit almost two seconds adrift of Raikkonen.
Felipe Massa will replace the Italian on the third and final day.
Toyota, meanwhile, focused on mechanical set-up changes, evaluating a number of development items and carrying out systems checks. The Japanese manufacturer's running was interrupted, however, by gearbox issues on both TF108s in the afternoon, costing
Timo Glock and
Jarno Trulli valuable track time.
“It hasn't been the easiest day,” acknowledged Glock, third-fastest on a lap time of 1min 32.889secs but nevertheless convinced the team is on the right track with its 2008 challenger. “We have done some good work, though, the potential in the new car is clear and we now understand more about how different set-up changes affect its performance.
“We are continuing to work hard to develop the car and today we have looked at mechanical set-up again, getting more useful information. Unfortunately we lost a little time in the afternoon, but we still completed quite a few laps and did the work we had planned.”
