By Sam Cooper
December 5 2007

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team has completed the first day of testing at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain without any major problems. With Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett finishing in 3rd and 7th places respectively, BMW’s Nick Heidfeld headed the field setting a fastest lap time of 1.19.042; six tenths faster than Pedro.

BMW Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld finished the day in first place, after setting a best time of 1.19.042, while preparing him and the team for the 2008 season. Honda’s Jenson Button put in a fantastic performance to finish in 2nd place just a tenth shy of Heidfeld in the BMW, which for most of the year has been a good second to a second and a half faster than the dismal Honda RA107.

Pedro de la Rosa ended the first day in 3rd place, seven tenths shy of pace-setter Heidfeld. Newly crowned world champion Kimi Raikkonen finished in 4th place, obviously struggling to the new no traction control rules. .

Nelson Piquet Jr ended the day in 5th place, which maybe enough to secure him a race drive in 2008 with Renault. Sebastian Bourdais coped well with the handling of a formula one car without traction control.

Second McLaren tester Gary Paffett finished in 7th place, he and Pedro concentrated on aerodynamic developments and focusing on work for the 2008 season. Lewis and Pedro will be on track tomorrow.

Times from today are shown below.