Speeds first time

Well known resident of Fuschl, Austria - you can tell from his accent! - Scott Speed was at the wheel today as Scuderia Toro Rosso tackles a two day test programme at a cold but sunny Barcelona.

It was the team's first test of 2006 at this circuit and it proved to be a productive one with the American driver, who celebrated his twenty third birthday yesterday, reeling off a comfortable 85 laps and setting a competitive time.

It was a cold day, with freezing temperatures in the early morning, so after an installation lap, the team concentrated on keeping warm, until the track temperature indicated it was time to get down to business. Work centred on set-up, as Speed and his engineers concentrated on an aero programme, assessing different ride heights and front and rear wing settings, on their way to finding a satisfactory balance for the car.

Team Manager, Massimo Rivola "Apart from being happy with the work we got through today, I am also pleased with Scott's performance, as it is clear that he has really stepped up his fitness levels in recent weeks. It was also encouraging to see how the team is shaping up. We have plenty of new young guys, "the Young Toros" as we call them, who are new to the team and it was obvious that they are really motivated to do a good job."

Tomorrow, Tonio Liuzzi takes over at the wheel.