Fresh off the back of his French Grand Prix success just two days earlier, new
Formula 1 World Championship leader
Felipe Massa paced the opening day's testing at
Silverstone today (Tuesday), to show that he intends to keep that winning form up when the
F1 circus arrives in Britain in under a fortnight's time.
The Brazilian covered 71 laps of the Northants circuit working on both set-up and the development of new aerodynamic and mechanical solutions for
Ferrari's F2008, with just a small problem towards the end of the day interrupting his progress. Massa will remain in the car on day two, with team-mate
Kimi Raikkonen set to take over for the final day on Thursday.
Heikki Kovalainen was second-quickest for McLaren-Mercedes, just under three tenths of a second adrift of the outright pace as the Finn carried out evaluation of a new fuel and formulation of Mobil 1 lubricant, together with taking a look at new aero parts and mechanical components.
Third-fastest was Canadian Grand Prix winner
Robert Kubica in the BMW-Sauber, as the Pole seeks to bounce back from a disappointing outing in Magny-Cours that dimmed his title charge somewhat. The 23-year-old enjoyed a positive day, completing 82 laps and encountering no issues as he focussed on set-up and aerodynamics. Kubica is set to return to the track on Wednesday, when he will also concentrate on tyre work.
Toyota test driver Kamui Kobayashi ended proceedings with the fourth-best time to his name, just over a second shy of the outright pace as the young Japanese ace discovered Silverstone for the first time. The 21-year-old got through 82 laps that combined learning the circuit with set-up and aerodynamic duties for the rejuvenated Cologne-based concern, lopping almost three seconds off his quickest effort as the day wore on. French Grand Prix podium hero
Jarno Trulli will take over the wheel on day two.
