By Karl King
March 2 2006

McLaren test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett were both out in action at the Southern Valencia circuit today. Pedro made his apperance in the 2006 MP4-21 car, whilst Gary Paffett had to make do with the 2005 MP4-20 as the other two 21's are being prepared for Bahrain.

De la Rosa completed long runs for tyre and engine work on the Mercedes. The Spaniard started the day on intermediates, switching to drys as the track conditions improved. Completing over 580km, Pedro set the second fastest time of the day, just over two tenths off the Williams of Nico Rosberg.

Brit Gary Paffett started work focusing on Michelin tyre development. Gary completed 280km, mostly in the afternoon on the drier track, and set the fifth fastest time - 1m13.053, over two seconds off of Rosberg's pace-setter. Gary stopped on track once when he ran out of fuel during a fuel consumption examination.

It was Gary's first and last appearance this week, the Briton making way for Kimi Raikkonen who will test alongside Pedro for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Valencia - 27/02/06 :
1. N. Rosberg Williams FW28 Cosworth - 1'11.030 - 85 laps
2. P. De La Rosa McLaren MP4-21 Mercedes - 1'11.238 (+ 0.208) 148 laps
3. M. Webber Williams FW28 Cosworth - 1'11.327 (+ 0.297) 66 laps
4. H. Kovalainen Renault R26 - 1'11.450 (+ 0.420) 54 laps
5. G. Paffett McLaren MP4-20 Mercedes - 1'13.055 (+ 2.025) 71 laps