Rainy start to Jerez test session

It was a rainy start of the first open test session of 2008 at Jerez. Ten of the 11 teams are expected to participate in the three-day test session at the circuit of Jerez this week with only BMW Sauber not attending. The team will present their 2008 contender, the F1.08, later today and on Tuesday a shakedown at the circuit of Valencia will follow.

Ferrari, McLaren and Toyota are the only teams to bring their new car to Jerez. The F2008, MP4-23 and TF108 were launched last week. Ferrari already conducted a shakedown at their private track at Fiorano and McLaren had a private three-day test at Jerez. The TF108 will make its track debut today.

Red Bull will be testing with an interim car as their RB4 will only be presented on Wednesday at Jerez. Williams also opts for an interim car, but with a new livery, marking start the outfit’s 30th year in F1. The Grove-based team's FW30 will debut next week at Valencia on the 22nd of January.

Renault will also come in action. Nelson Piquet Jr. will drive today with Fernando Alonso taking over tomorrow and concluding the test session on Wednesday. On 17 January, Alvaro Parente, who won the World Series Formula Renault 3.5 title, will get his F1 test with the team.

Honda, Toro Rosso, Force India and Super Aguri will come in action as well during the three-day test at Jerez.