Baldisserri: F2008 well suited to new rules

"Everyone reckoned that the drivers would find the car harder to drive with the electronic aids banned this year," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "But, so far, the F2008 has shown to be very sincere and with excellent traction - that's why we got those laptimes.

"We also did a simulation work on the design of the front and rear suspension geometry, and that seems to work. We are very satisfied with the times, but obviously we'll need to verify everything once we run together with the other teams."

As well as the quick times, Baldisserri was pleased with the car's reliability: "It's a while since we last did tests without problems, This allowed us to complete the programme with less running than expected, which is a good thing now that the amount of running in testing is limited.

"Our aim in 2008 is reliability, but if the car doesn't break down and is quick too, then that's the best thing."

But the Italian isn't convinced that this year's regulation changes will have the desired effect.

"The costs have decreased, but whether or not the single ECU reduces performance is debatable," He added.

"When there are 22 drivers on track together, in the heat, with worn tyres, making the car harder to drive will increase the chances of them making a mistake and losing time.

"The simulation we did here suggests that there won't be more pit stops. The wear seen in Jerez and Valencia was higher but this season's soft tyres will last longer, like the medium compound ones."