Renault also Move to Valencia to Test

The Renault team have also scrapped plans to test at the Barcelona circuit this week and will work at Valencia instead.

Seven teams were scheduled to start testing at the Spanish circuit, but BAR, Sauber and now Renault have decided to move to Valencia because of concerns about the Circuit de Catalunya's newly-laid asphalt.

The Barcelona circuit, home of the Spanish Grand Prix, has been resurfaced over the winter with the work completed only last week.

Japanese driver Takuma Sato, whose BAR team unveiled their new car on Sunday at Barcelona, said the surface was slippery and laptimes were about 20 seconds slower than they should be.

"They've resurfaced it all and oil is coming up," said Sato. "Maybe they need to make the surface a bit rougher. Off line it is unbelievably slippery, which is very dangerous."

Ferrari, with seven times World Champion Michael Schumacher returning to action for the first time since the end of last season, are still planning to test at Barcelona along with Williams and Toyota this week.

Red Bull were also scheduled to test at Barcelona, but there has been no announcement regarding their plans yet.