Formula 1 News

Spa-Francorchamps Circuit tests: Hamilton fastest 

Lewis Hamilton has been the fastest driver during the 1st day of tests at Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, in Belgium. The teams worked especially on the set up, the suspensions, the brakes and on race starts.

On a renewed track, where the F1 Circus will return racing at (on September 16th, after the absence in 2006), the British driver had a lap time of 1’46”613. Behind the temporary Championship leader, Robert Kubica who got a lap time of 1’47 “059 with his BMW. Third place for Felipe Massa’s Ferrari, who, instead, was the fastest during this morning: he worked mostly on the set up of his vehicle and he tested new parts. He raced for 64 laps with his best lap time being of 1’47”469; Felipe will be on the track even tomorrow for more thorough tests.

Something interesting happened in the pits during the tests: while Ferrari mechanics worked under the sun, those of McLaren worked inside their box; a box that remained closed. Perhaps, they’re testing new parts for Nurburgring’s Grand Prix?

Todays’ lap times:

1. Hamilton (GB, McLaren) 1’46″613 (81 laps)
2. Kubica (Pol, Bmw) 1’47″059 (80)
3. Massa (Bra, Ferrari) 1’47″469 (64)
4. Schumacher (Ger, Toyota) 1’47″787 (69)
5. Piquet (Bra, Renault) 1’47″997 (50)
6. Coulthard (GB, Red Bull) 1’48″243 (53)
7. Rosberg (Ger, Williams) 1’48″287 (64)
8. Liuzzi (Ita, Toro Rosso) 1’49″179 (63)
9. Rossiter (GB, Super Aguri) 1’49″228 (60)
10. Klien (Aut, Honda) 1’49″419 (63)
11. van de Garde (Hol, Spyker) 1’49″712 (53)