Force India elected to run test and reserve driver Tonio Liuzzi on the opening day with the Italian slotting into ninth on the times after a day that saw him complete over 100 laps without problems.
While others used the softer compound tyres that teams will run on in Monte Carlo, Liuzzi used harder rubber during the day as he tested aerodynamic developments designed specifically for the street circuit.
“Today's programme run on the short track simulation circuit layout was to evaluate a complete new front suspension for the VJM01, and to validate the package of aerodynamic changes that will be raced in Monaco next week,” test team manager Dominic Harlow said. “During a busy day the team also worked on some ongoing development items in other mechanical areas of the car.
“The circuit was initially a little green, but the weather conditions have not been too bad with mild temperatures, a fairly light wind and slowly the grip improved during the day. We continue tomorrow on the same circuit with both race drivers planning to devote most of their track time to prepare for the Monaco Grand-Prix.”
Lucas di Grassi completed the times for
Renault on a day when the young Brazilian was second only to Rosberg in terms of laps completed. Di Grassi wracked up 146 laps during the course of the day at the wheel of the R28 as he evaluated a range of development parts that are due to be introduced in the coming races.
“It was a reasonable first day of running, with good mileage and so we were able to complete quite a lot of our test objectives,” chief test engineer Christian Silk said. “We did so much running because the weather forecast for the rest of the week is a bit uncertain, and so if the weather does deteriorate we've got as much work done as possible. It was also important to give Lucas a good number of laps in the car, which is what he needs at the moment.”
Testing continues on the same layout tomorrow.
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