Having successfully defended its team title in the World Series by Renault, Tech 1 Racing has already turned its focus to 2009 after testing a number of drivers during the three-day test session at Paul Ricard late last week.

With the team declaring it is 'almost certain' that Charles Pic will be part of the 2009 line-up, the team focused its attention on looking for a second driver to complete its line-up, with five new taking turns at the wheel.

With 2008 driver Julien Jousse watching on, Albert Costa and Alexandre Marsoin were the first drivers to hit the track on Wednesday morning, with Costa going fourth quickest and Marsoin seventh on a damp track. Marsoin then continued into the afternoon and was seventh quickest, while Anton Nebylistkiy was 18th in the sister car having taken over from Costa.

Pic then took over his car for the remainder of the three-day test, with Nelson Panciatici joining him on Thursday and newly crowned British F3 title winner Jaime Alguersuari then talking over for the final day.

“We didn't have much luck with the weather,” team manager Simon Abadie said. “We had a big development programme to run through to improve our cars. Because of the rain we weren't able to complete it. Charles set the quickest time even if his car wasn't perfect, which is very positive.

“All the drivers who relayed one another in our cars gave us satisfaction. We now have to analyse all the data and do everything we can to find the one who'll defend our colours with Charles. I hope we'll arrive in Valencia with our two 2009 drivers. It's important to know where we're going to prepare for next season in the best possible conditions.”