Ferrari quickest as F1 cars thrash Jerez

January 15, 2008

By Alan Baldwin

Ferrari has struck an early-season blow with its 2008 car lapping quicker than the new McLaren in Formula 1's first official test of the year in southern Spain.

World champion Kimi Raikkonen set the pace in Jerez with 1min19.845, according to the unofficial circuit timing.

Brazilian Felipe Massa was second in the second car and McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa was third on the with 1min20

McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa was third-quickest after rain
.548 after sitting out the morning session because of steady rain.

Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso, which will not introduce its 2008 car until after the opening first long-haul races of the season, was fourth with German Sebastian Vettel driving.

Brazilian Nelson Piquet made his first appearance for Renault since being confirmed as a race driver; team mate Fernando Alonso is due to test on Tuesday in last year's car.

Briton Lewis Hamilton, 2007 championship runner-up, will also be in action on Tuesday. - Reuters