Felipe Massa and his “new” car continued to impress the F1 paddock when they topped the laptimes again during SAUBER PETRONAS’ first day of test at Jerez in Spain yesterday.

Despite varying weather throughout the day, Felipe in his Michelin-equipped C23 still managed to clock a best of 1:17.498s, more than two seconds faster than the nearest driver in a second test session designed to further understand the behavioural characteristics of their new tires.

Race Engineer Giampaolo Dall’Ara explains: “The mixed weather was not very helpful today and under such conditions I normally wouldn’t say that it was a positive day. But even we were not able to run as many laps as planned, we could still learn a lot and the day was finally productive as the quick lap times show.”

“We further adapted the car to the Michelin tyres and did some aerodynamic data validation as well as worked on the mechanical set-up of the C24,” Dall’Ara added.

All testing teams will return today and tomorrow with Jacques Villeneuve scheduled to take over the driving for more aerodynamic and tire tests.

“The next two days Jacques will further acclimatise to the team and the car. In addition, we have scheduled more aerodynamic tests and will continue to work with Michelin.”