First run for Bourdais as official Toro Rosso driver

The 2008 season got underway today, just under a month after the 2007 season finale in Brazil. Today saw two "firsts" for Scuderia Toro Rosso, the first run for Sebastian Bourdais as an official driver for the team and the first time the team could carry out a track evaluation of the common ECU now required to be used by all teams for the 2008 season.

That task fell to Sebastian Vettel and it was an encouraging day's work, with a high mileage completed on a brand new system. His programme also included testing new brake material and new front and rear suspension.

As for the other Seb, he ran a car with 2007 electronics, however, to simulate some aspects of the 2008 package, the traction control and engine braking systems were not operational. He was delayed by a couple of mechanical problems in the morning, before getting on with his programme which also included evaluating new aero elements. Both drivers ran the Bridgestone tyre used during the Spanish GP, held at this track back in May.

Both drivers continue with a similar programme tomorrow.