Mclaren cleared

The FIA has decided that the strategy employed by McLaren in their one-two victory in Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix was entirely legitimate. No further action will be taken over the matter.

The FIA launched an investigation following the race, after claims that team orders had played a part in Fernando Alonso’s win over team mate Lewis Hamilton. However, having studied radio traffic between the drivers and the McLaren pit, together with the FIA observer’s report and data from the team, the sport’s governing body concluded there was no wrongdoing.

Team boss Ron Dennis had said that the unusual strategic requirements at Monaco and the high likelihood of safety-car periods meant that McLaren had to more or less decide in advance who would win the race. He also admitted his drivers had been told to ease off and hold position in the closing stages. He denied, however, manipulating the result.

“It is standard procedure for a team to tell its drivers to slow down when they have a substantial lead,” agreed the FIA. “This is in order to minimise the risk of technical or other problems. It is also standard practice and entirely reasonable to ask the drivers not to put each other at risk.

“McLaren were able to pursue an optimum team strategy because they had a substantial advantage over all other cars. They did nothing which could be described as interfering with the race result.”

Responding to the FIA's findings, Dennis commented: “The entire team was understandably disappointed that outstanding drives from both Fernando and Lewis resulting in a great one-two victory and McLaren’s 150th win was temporarily tarnished.

"The efficient intervention and subsequent inquiry of the FIA into the allegations of the last three days has removed any doubt about the manner in which the team ran its cars during the 2007 Monaco Grand Prix. The team, Fernando and Lewis, who currently are leading both world championships can now concentrate on the Canadian Grand Prix.”

Team orders which interfere with a race result were outlawed in October 2002. The move followed Ferrari’s heavy fine after that year’s Austrian Grand Prix, where Rubens Barrichello moved over for Michael Schumacher on the final lap.

A new road opening soon....

I ran along the soon-to-be-opened Brickland Rd which is an extension of West Ave 5. It leads all the way to the KJE and it runs along the outskirts of CCK. Imagine this: having the WHOLE road to myself and I could run in any lane I desired! Somewhat like when I took part in the 2 running events last year when I ran along Shenton Way.

Looking forward to the 5 running events that I intend to participate in this year. Anyone wishes to join in?

New wiperblades

I replaced the wiper blades on the car as the original pair was getting ineffective. On rainy days, the left side does not do its job of sweeping the water away. Visibility was therefore compromised. For safety reasons, I replaces both sides as the right side was not much better. Rather than having to make 2 trips, might as well replace them once and for all. I usually lift up the wipers whenever I am home as I noticed that prolonged contact with the windscreen will harden the rubber thereby shortening its useful life. Moreover, frequent parking under the hot sun will also degenarate the rubber.

Yesterday, I had 4 ex-LPS students who came to visit Esther. Despite the little one being asleep, we chatted while waiting for her to wakeup which she did after a while. They bought for Esther a Piglet. Well, at least the Winnie the Pooh in the living room as a companion. The Bert which my coursemates gave Esther is sitting at the corner of the cot. However, on that day when we put Bert in, Esther took a look at it and burst into tears! I guess it sort of gave her a little surprise but after that, she now smiles whever we let her play with Bert.

Monaco GP

Both Mclarens continue to dominate with them taking the top 2 spots on the podium. Ferrari's Massa defended his 3rd position to score valuable points for the prancing horse team. Raikkonen started on 16th but leap frogged and ended up in 8th position given the very difficult circumstances. Kudos to these top 4 drivers for their achievements. The BMWs continue their improved performance with both drivers scoring points. Although there is a 20 point deficit between Ferrari and Mclaren in the constructors, you can imagine that the Red team will seize every opportunity to catch up and overtake the Silver team. Game on....

Dawn run

I have been clocking in at least a dawn run weekly for the past few weeks already. Since Esther gets up for a feed between 0400-0500 hrs, I will go running after feeding her and putting her to bed. Since I have woken up, why not take advantage of the cool and fresh morning breeze? Moreover the running events that are approaching all start before 7am. In fact the earliest one starts at 0530hrs so you can imagine what time I need to get up and have my breakfast before leaving the house to the start point. Anyway, it is about 6 weeks to my first running event of this year.

It is an all Mclaren front row for the Monaco GP....

Both Mclarens occupy the front row of the starting grid of the Monaco GP. Pity that Raikkonen had some technical problems which will see him starting at position 16. Massa will start in P3 alongside Fisichella from Renault who surprisingly did well. Both BMWs are behind along row 4. I have always liked watching this GP as it is very difficult to overtake given the difficult conditions. However, I have seen spectacular moments when some daring drivers outbrake their opponents at that crucial moment and snatch a place from the car in front.

Come next year when F1 lands in Sg, I really wonder what will they name the circuit. Raffles Place GP? And what about various sectors along the route? Let's wait and see.........

Monaco GP

Of all the numerous venues of the F1 GPs, the Monte-Carlo Street circuit is one of my favourites. Likewise, many drivers too have a special spot in their hearts as far as this race is concerned. The reason is that being a street circuit, things are very different from the conventional racing track. So a win in Monaco is quite an achievement. Needless to say, Schumi won it before and he still holds the lap record till today.

Singapore will also be similar in that the GP next year will be something similar although we might not have the classic tunnel. I recall the commentator saying from the start of the race till the end, each car would have made more than 3000 gear shifts. As you can imagine the circuit is quite narrow and winding, frequent gear changes are inevitable. The many twists and turns also test drivers' skills in that any slight mistake will see them craching onto the walls. Moreover, mechanical reliability is essential as the cars hardly get a chance to hit their full speed due to the layout.

So what will it be this weekend in Monte-Carlo? We will know the final result when the first car crosses the checkered flag.

Global Day of Prayer

The Global Day of Prayer

Sunday 27th May 6pm

National Stadium

Calling all believers to gather at this icon to pray for Singapore and also to mark the final event at this special location before it makes way for the new Sports Hub.

Baby variety show on Ch 8

Angela and I enjoy watching the variety show on Ch 8 featuring toddlers who have a flair for performing and other stuff. Each week, toddlers in various ages will perform song items or other talents. One of them knows all the MRT stations in Singapore by heart. Another can read rather complex chinese words while some had great singing and dancing skills. Whatever skills or talents they had, this show is really enjoyable but I must caution against "showing the children off" as if they were some trophies. Humility is a great virtue.

my 300th post

Angela's hp has not been functioning properly of late. In fact, we sent in her phone twice already. Each time it is the same issue that arises. Her sliding function has been packing up. The service centre told us that it is the cable problem and it has been replaced. We are waiting for another 5 months when our contract is up so we can look at a new phone. Thankfully my 6230i has been function great for since Oct '05. Been looking at the N series but have not been receiving good feedback about the N73. Wonder if I should avoid the N series altogether?

Starting to be able to flip

We noticed that Esther is starting to attempt to make a flip onto her tummy. As she has always been on her back, we found that she can already incline herself almost 90deg and thereafter onto her tummy. As such, we had to lower her cot so that it will be safer. Also, we did some arrangements of the furniture in her room to make more space in her cot in anticipation of her growth.

To my colleagues in LPS n NIE coursemates: If any of you wish to pay Esther a visit, please sms me. We are mostly at home from now till the start of term 3.

More photos

We wrapped a hanky round her right hand as she is starting to suck it. This explains why it looks like a 'chicken drumstick'


My fingers tickling her and just managed to catch her smile.



Esther must be wondering what her parents are up to

Lunch with Angela's colleagues

We had a lunch gathering with Angela's colleagues yesterday. Had a buffet lunch at Rendezvous Hotel. Some of you may wonder why I tagged along. Well, it was because they all asked us to come as a family because the previous time when they came to visit Esther at home, the little one was asleep so they could only see a computer generated slide show.

Thankfully, Esther was wide awake so her colleagues took turns to keep her entertained while both of us could eat. As usual, there is always this things about trying to decipher whom Esther resembles. Basically, she has got both our DNAs of tall and skinny. Esther's mouth area is a trademark of mum Angela, auntie Aileen and grandma Ruby. This fact is confirmed by grandpa Daniel. Esther's facial appearance resembles yours truly except for the spectacles la. However, children's look do change over time.

F1 news

Taken from the F1 website. Hopefully, this can transform to subsequent actual races.

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Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen wrested the top of the timesheets from McLaren on Thursday, as testing continued for a third day at Paul Ricard. Raikkonen clocked a best lap of 1m 28.833s around the French track, which had been reconfigured from Wednesday's Monaco layout to replicate Montreal’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, thereby enabling all 11 teams to prepare for June’s Canadian Grand Prix.

Esther is 2mths old today

Few photos for you all to enjoy.....

My thoughts on "Deal Or No Deal??"

Channel 5's latest game show is not something new. This game show has been a hit in the States, Europe and I think Australia. Having watched the 1st three episodes, I must say that it is very exciting. Watching the participant opening each case really puts viewers at the edge of their seats. What more for the participant himself/herself.

However, the spirit of this game does have its negative side. I personally feel that it tends to promote the not-so-good trait of being greedy. The banker will offer the participant a sum of money to walk away at various parts of the show. The decision is easy. In the early stages, any person will probably say NO DEAL! This is obvious since the offer amount is quite small. But the crunch comes when the probability of opening a desired case gets smaller or like last night's show, the chance of opening a case with a small amount is rather high. This will be tempting for the participant to carry on with the game. It is when she was down the final case when she risked $33k to open the case which she thought would be $75k. But as luck would have had it, the amount in her chosen case was 1% of $75k. It would easy to say," Take the offer of $33k and go." This is similar to "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" when you can just walk away with the money you have and forget about going for the top amount. If and only if you are confident, then would you take the risk. Unfortunately, not many know the logic of " A bird in hand is worth two in the bush"

All said and done, my views towards this show is simple: When you are not sure of the next "case" and after considering the factors, it might (I stress might) be wise to be contented with what you already have and be happy. However, I salute the contestant last night who went all the way by opening all the cases. Despite walking away with only $750/-, her boldness is something worth admiring and I think that is easily worth more than the top prize of $250k.

Disclaimer: The above is purely my opinion and stand.

2 photos

Fire at the block next to mine

We were watching tv earlier at about 9 or so when we heard sirens blaring. It continued for quite a while and we smelt something burning. Looking out of the living room window, we could see the fire engine pull up in front of the neighbouring block and many residents had made their way to the void deck. Some were still along the corridor looking towards the affected unit. The SCDF hurriedly alighted and set up the hoses. There was smoke billowing from the fourth floor stair well. I alerted my neighbour as well. Closing the doors and windows was a good move so that the smoke will not seep into the house.

A crowd had gathered below and we could see that other units were pitch black. It could have been caused by the fire which may have tripped the circuit breakers. After analyzing the situation, we felt it was not necessary for us to evacuate. Heard my neighbour saying that it might be on STOMP! Not surprising though since many people will simply post such stuff.

Deal or no deal????

This new game show on Ch 5 is really exciting. I watched the debut episode earlier and it is even more exciting then "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". However, the not-so-good aspect of it is that it appears to be no different from gambling. You won something then you keep on playing and the stakes get higher despite the chance for you to walk away with a pretty decent sum of money. However, such shows should only serve as an entertainment. Basically, do not be greedy. A bird in hand is worth two in a bush.

Spanish GP; Massa won but Raikkonen retired. Both Mclarens are still on the top of the constructors championship.

Final qualifying results for the Spanish GP

No prizes for guessing the starting grid for tomorrow's Spanish GP. As usual, it is the scarlets versus the silver arrows. And each will start alongside one another i:e- The Ferraris will start one behind the other and so do the Mclarens. Both BMWs and Jarno Trulli's Toyota were in pretty good form too, outpacing defending champions Renaults and the seemingly hot favourites Honda. I think many will focus on the front 4 cars to see who will pull ahead when the 5 red light go off tomorrow afternoon.

Just imagine this: fast fwd 16 months. We will see these 22 cars lined up along Republic Boulevard waiting for the 5 red lights to go out and then the whole of suntec, marina bay, padang and fullerton will be bombarded with the sounds of the 2.4 V8s revving at 19000rpm.

AKAN DATANG..............

Sg will host F1 in 2008

The wait is finally over. The decision is out. Singapore has won the right to host the F1 GP starting next year. Read the following press release.

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It's on! Formula One race is coming to Singapore in 2008 By Julian Lim - May 11, 2007 AsiaOne
Singapore will host a Formula One race in 2008, and it may be a night race, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S. Iswaran told press conference today.
He said Singapore has won the right to host the race for five years, with option to extend for another five years, and it expects annual tourism receipts from the event of about S$100 million.
The rights were secured by Singapore property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who has been leading the charge to bring the F1 race here.
The first race will take place in September or early October next year in a street circuit around Marina Centre, said the beaming minister, and it could "potentially" be the world's first night race, but organisers are still looking at safety issues.
"A night race will be unique, different and allow the Singapore event to reach out to television audiences in Asia, Europe and the US. Safety is of paramount concern to all of us," said Mr Iswaran. Therefore, we will proceed with a night race only if the safety and operational requirements of all parties including the FIA, FOA and Formula 1 teams are fully met. If not, we will revert to a day race."
He said the government would cover 60 per cent of the estimated annual cost of up to S$150 million and that an extra hotel tax would be charged during the race week to help meet the costs.
Singapore has been pushing hard for the race. Last month Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber tested the Singapore's 5.2-km street circuit in a Porsche 911 GT3.
FI Supremo Bernie Ecclestone expressed his enthusiasm at the prospect of a night race in Singapore.
"Singapore is going to be the leader with the street race at night. Everyone's excited about the idea," he said via teleconference from Spain.
Singapore's announcement comes a day after Ecclestone confirmed that Valencia, Spain, would also stage a F1 race in 2008 on a street circuit. The eastern Spanish city will hold F1 races for seven years beginning next year.
Ecclestone has previously been reported as saying he would like to include several night races on the F1 circuit -- especially in Asia -- in a bid to make their broadcast times more accessible to European and North American television viewers.
The proposal has so far met with mixed responses from teams and drivers, with safety concerns the main issue.
Speaking at the packed media briefing, Mr Iswaran noted that over the past few months, there has been a palpable buzz at home and internationally at the prospect of Singapore hosting an F1 race.
"Singaporeans from all walks of life are excited and we share their excitement. By holding the race on a street circuit in Marina Centre, we will bring the buzz and excitement into the heart of the city, so that everyone can join in the festivities. And there will be ample opportunity for broad-based participation in the event - whether as a guest, a spectator, a volunteer, or simply to participate in the events that will be held around the race," he said.
On the economic benefits and positive spill-overs from F1, the minister said it would add vibrancy to Singapore as a global city and business centre, that is abuzz with high quality entertainment and events.
"A world class event like the F1 race, with more than 500 million viewers worldwide, will take us closer to this objective. F1 will give a strong boost to our tourism sector. It is expected to generate incremental tourism receipts of about S$100 million a year," Mr Iswaran told a packed media conference.
"Hotels, night spots, restaurants, retailers, airlines, taxi drivers, and many other groups will benefit. The hive of activity surrounding the race will create opportunities for individuals and companies alike.
"There will be broader economic spin-offs as well. Our growing private wealth management industry, strong contingent of MNCs and local companies, and diverse retail and entertainment establishments can all take advantage of the event to derive benefits for their clients and their business."
On the government's role, Mr Iswaran said the staging the F1 is a major financial undertaking for any company, costing as much as $150 million a year.
"Revenue from ticket sales, merchandising and sponsorship will defray some of the costs. However, given the larger economic benefits from an F1 race that do not accrue to the Race Promoter, there is a case for commensurate support from public funds," he said, adding that STB will, therefore, co-fund about 60 per cent of the cost of the event from the Tourism Development Fund.
Calling on the hotel sector to pitch in, he said: "The Government cannot do this alone. While the tourism-related businesses and the economy, in general, will benefit from the F1 Grand Prix, the hotels, in particular, will be significant beneficiaries. Hotels in Monaco and Melbourne, for instance, are near full occupancy and are known to raise their room rates by up to 2 to 3 times, with stipulated minimum stays of 3 to 4 nights, during the race period.
"We expect hotels in Singapore to benefit similarly and we need our hotels to contribute their fair share.
"The Government, therefore, intends to impose a special F1 cess on hotel room revenues to defray some of the cost of staging the F1 race in Singapore. The F1 cess will be for a limited period of about 7 days around the race.
"It will be tiered so that track-side hotels which will benefit from the highest increases in room rates will pay a higher rate, and those further away will pay a lower rate. We are looking at a cess of no more than 30 percent to ensure that hoteliers still keep a significant share of the upside whilst making a meaningful contribution. The F1 cess is expected to raise an average of about S$15 to S$20 million per year. "
The government is in talks with members of the hotel industry, including members of the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) EXCO, and the feedback has been positive, he said.
The Minister also warned of disruption to traffic, as some roads will have to be closed in the period leading up to the race, during the race days, as well as after the race. There may also be some access restrictions around the track during the race period.
"We will need the understanding and cooperation of all Singaporeans and stakeholders affected by such inconveniences. I would like to assure everyone that our Government agencies will work closely with all stakeholders concerned to minimise any disruptions and inconveniences. We will set up an inter-agency committee for this purpose to work in partnership with the Race Promoter to ensure that Singapore stages a world-class F1 race whilst doing our best to mitigate the inconveniences. "

Singapore Tourism Board' chief executive and deputy chairman Lim Neo Chian, who was also at the media briefing, said he expects the Singapore F1 race to attract 80,000 spectators, many of them foreigners and add boost the economy by filling hotel rooms, increase retail spending and other spinoffs.
He said the F1 is the third most watched sports in the world, after the Olympics and World Cup.
Mr Ong, who was also at the press conference, said that it has taken 12 "difficult months" to reach the decision to host the F1 race and the next 16 months will be challenges. He expects there will be differences but says the business community will work closely with the government agencies to make the event a success.
Mr Ong, with three others, has formed a company, Singapore GP Pte Ltd, with a capital of 20 million shares of $1 each. Under one of the pre-requisite fields, the company's activity has been described as 'event promotion'.
Ong is the controlling shareholder of mainboard-listed Hotel Properties Ltd, which owns Hard Rock Cafe. He is also the majority shareholder of Komoco. Ong is the controlling shareholder of mainboard-listed Hotel Properties Ltd, which owns Hard Rock Cafe. He is also the majority shareholder of Komoco.
The chequered flag is finally is sight, signally an end to the months of behind-the-scenes wrangling and on-and-off media speculation.

Another warm day

When I went for a short run earlier, it was really warm. Besides, the humidity was quite high and that explained why I was soaked right through by the time I completed 10k. Seems like global warming is really taking a toll on the earth's climate.

We brought Esther out today as we needed to purchase some household items. Thankfully we had quite a fair bit of Taka vouchers. The only expensive item was the dumb parking which cost almost $8! Throughout the day, Esther was quite well-behaved and she hardly cried except when it was time to feed her. Other than that, she was enjoying and entertaining herself in her stroller.

More cases of drink driving

When I read the papers today, I was disappointed to read about another 3 drink driving cases. There was even a fatality and the culprit actually committed a hit-and-run offence. However, guilt must be made the driver turn himself into the cops.

Somtimes I really wonder if the local laws that apply to drink driving are stringent enough. Perhaps parliament should re-look at the offences and corresponding penalties. All said and done, do harsh penalities really work?

Bad Day

Esther had a bad day today. I think it must have been the weather which made her feel quite warm. Earlier in the evening, when it was her feeding time, she screamed louder than the air raid sirens! We were worried why so we thought she might be running a fever but she was not. Checked her diaper n it was fine. But she calmed down after a while and needless to say, we turned on the fan higher. So during our dinner when she is usually awake and clamouring for attention, she was fast asleep so we could eat in peace! Tomorrow we might be bringing her out for a while to get some fresh air and hopefully she will be fine.

I bought a new phone cover

When I was trying to unzip my phone cover last night, it broke. Guess it must be due to the corrosion which weakened it. Because of that I had to get another one. Being the cheapskate me, I went back to the same shop which sells these cheap stuff (it only cost me $3) and tried to hunt for a new cover. My new cover is the hard plastic type unlike the old one which is soft. The shop owner said they do not make those soft kinds anymore. Oh well, this means I have to be extra careful not to drop my phone as the cover might break. Since day 1 when I bought my phone, I have been using a phone cover and this probably explains why my phone is still in mint condition. Likewise, my previous N6100 was like new when I traded it in to get this N6230i. That got me an extra $20 overtrade on my N6100. Guess when I should decide to change this current phone, I might still get an overtrade.

I went for a 12K run earlier at about 4pm. It was really warm. I could feel the heat. Naturally this translated to having a great sweating session after an hour or so. Usually I would run slightly later at around 5 or so but since I intend to clock in at least an hour, I have sort of adjusted my timing so that by the time I finish, I will be home just in time to warm up the food and prepare for dinner. That is usually when Esther is still sleeping so we can eat quickly before she awakes for her feed. Maybe next time I should go for a dawn run after feeding her at around 3am or so?

At church today

After a week's absence from church, we attended the 1st service this morning. Since it would be the most suitable timing, I think henceforth this will be the preferred timing. Esther was so well-behaved in church. Since it was her feeding time just as the sermon began, she took her feed and then dozed off after that. Despite the noise around, she slept like a log and even when we got home she was still in lala land.

In the cry room, there were at least 7 other infants. It was certainly a good time for us parents to converse with one another on how we care for the little one. Also, it was a good opporunity to dialogue with 'more than 1st time parents' on their experiences so that it will be beneficial when Esther approaches various stages of growth.

Needless to say, many of our church friends were so excited to see the little one and some of them were so amused seeing her sleeping! I was telling Angela that Esther has this trait of stretching her limbs whenever she wakes up and it certainly looks adorable. Perhaps I should standby the digital camera to video it down. But then again, can someone tell me how to upload a video clip? I know you need to upload it to YouTube. What next then?

Managed to wash the car

I managed to wash the car today. Hopefully it does not rain for the next day or so. It was quite dirty as I have not washed it for quite sometime. Scrubbed it hard and also gave the interior a good wipe.

Saucony 100Plus Passion Run

My cousin smsed me last night about the event and I immediately logged onto the website to register. Indeed it is a good start to my running participation for this '2007 season'!!! The route is basically very simple. Starting from Bedok Jetty, runners will run on the path in the direction of the city and make a U-turn somewhere further down from the McD before finishing where it begins. I reckon that there will be quite a number of participants as seen from the participation numbers at the Stanchart Singapore Marathon last year. The distance for this run is 10km. Sounds easy? Well, I would be trying to finish the run between 50-55min.

Being the addicted runner, I also smsed my running kakis about this event. Hopefully the whole bunch of us can run as a group on 8 Jul. It feels great to be running with your kakis and the motivation and fellowship is simply fantastic.

1st it was Raikkonen, now Massa does it again for Ferrari

It seems that Ferrari are the ones to beat at this juncture. However, the competition is still one until the last round of the season.

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Barcelona day three - Massa keeps Ferrari top

With the sun shining once again on Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, all 11 teams reverted to their scheduled test programmes on Wednesday. Felipe Massa was the fastest, picking up where team mate Kimi Raikkonen had left off to maintain Ferrari’s stranglehold on the timesheets. Massa's quickest lap of 1m 21.506s was over three-tenths of a second faster than Mark Webber’s best in the Red Bull.
Massa took advantage of the dry conditions at the Spanish circuit to complete 106 laps, as he tested the F2007’s new aerodynamic package for the first time. Nico Rosberg in the Williams, however, was not so lucky. An accident at the beginning of the morning session rendered his badly-damaged FW29 irreparable at the track, prompting the team to leave the test early and return to the UK.

Holidays like no holidays

Even though I am having my semester holidays till the start of Term 3 when I begin my school attachment, everyday is like normal for us as we have to look after Esther. Changing diapers, feeding her, sterilizing bottles, washing clothes, cleaning the house and bathing her etc etc....Besides all the baby stuff, there is also housework to do as well. Oh did I leave out washing the Black Altis? My poor car is longggggggggggggggggggg overdue for a nice good wash and polish. Had wanted to do it today but as I need to deliver something to a friend's place after posting, I might as well wash it tomorrow since I dread the thought of washing the car and then having to put up with the water stains when the skies open up.

However, I do not just do the housework and baby stuff but also take the chance to work out some English and Maths SA1 & SA2 papers to get some practise as I will be teaching them. Its quite interesting to try out those challenging questions and I must confess that some of them need a lot more pondering. Being the tv addicts, both Angela & I will catch our daily shows on the various channels. I cannot imagine not having a tv at home. I think I will be BORED stiff.

If the weather permits, I will go for a 15km run tomorrow.

Ferrari yet again....

Raikkonen sets the pace in Spain

Kimi Raikkonen was the quickest man on Monday, as testing got underway at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. Raikkonen clocked a best lap of 1m 21.194s to put Ferrari top of the timesheets during an eventful session at the Spanish track. The Finn was almost seven-tenths quicker than Super Aguri's Takuma Sato, who was second fastest.
With the 2007 testing regulations stipulating that teams are only allowed to run one car each day, Raikkonen took charge of the solitary F2007 and completed 97 laps. Although his technical programme focused on evaluating new aerodynamic components, the Finn also found time to begin set-up preparations for the forthcoming Spanish Grand Prix on May 13.

Super Aguri, meanwhile, were overjoyed with Sato's second place in the timings. Despite the blustery conditions, the Japanese driver was able to complete 98 laps, as he tested new aero elements and an upgraded Honda gearbox. He will be back in action on Tuesday, before handing over to team mate Anthony Davidson on Wednesday.

Test driver Pedro de la Rosa was third fastest after completing 101 laps for McLaren. Alongside cooling and systems checks, De La Rosa tested a radical new front wing on the MP4-22. He will be replaced by fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso on Tuesday.

Ralf Schumacher filled fourth slot for Toyota, after a busy day testing the TF107, which boasted several aerodynamic modifications and revised bodywork. Schumacher completed 93 laps as he focused on finding a better set-up to solve the front-end problems which he blames for his poor performances during the opening three races of the season.

“In general it was a successful day and we made it through everything that we had planned,” explained the German. “I’ve had some problems with the front end at the last couple of races in low grip conditions but it seems to be better here. We made quite a few changes in the set-up and after that I was able to brake and turn in the way that I’m used to. So that helps me and we got along quite well with the car today.”

Nick Heidfeld was fifth fastest for BMW Sauber, followed by Rubens Barrichello for Honda. The Brazilian completed a mammoth 132 laps, as he carried out set-up runs, tyre evaluations and some aero testing. Renault’s Nelson Piquet Jr was seventh quickest for the French squad, ahead of Toro Rosso’s Vitantonio Liuzzi and Red Bull’s David Coulthard. Piquet completed 125 problem-free laps, despite it being his first time in the car for almost two months.

“I think that we've recorded interesting data for the engineers who will now get down to analysing them,” explained the young Brazilian tester. “We did a lot of running today, from 09:00 to 18:00 non-stop. So it wasn't the most restful of days for me! But it's good to be back behind the wheel again.”

Spyker were the only team to run two drivers, with Adrian Valles, 10th, and Giedo van der Garde, 12th, both behind the wheel of the F8-VII. While Van der Garde focused on evaluating hydraulic systems and testing the Bridgestone’s hard and medium compounds, Valles completed several longer stints during the afternoon. The Spaniard’s day, however, ended prematurely after he ran wide at turn three on his final run. Although uninjured himself, the car sustained heavy damage and the Spyker mechanics will have their work cut out to be ready for Adrian Sutil’s arrival on Tuesday.

Completing Monday’s line-up was Kazuki Nakajima, who ended the day in 11th for Williams. The young test driver, who was carrying out engine evaluations, only completed 43 laps before crashing his FW29 at turn nine shortly after lunch. The car is expected to be repaired in time for Tuesday's session.