Coulthard sets pace in Jerez

David Coulthard boosted his pre-season confidence by setting the pace during the opening day of winter testing

The McLaren driver completed a total of 46 laps around the Jerez circuit - setting a fastest time of 1.24.72.

Jordan new-boy Jarno Trulli impressed his new bosses by recording the second quickest time (1.26.99).

The former Prost driver, who completed 31 laps during the first session in Spain, said, 'I am very happy about my first day with the team.

'They have impressed me with the way they work, using both cars to ensure that I was gaining mileage on the track while the other car was in the garage.

'I am happy about my lap time today but feel that I have still not reached the car's full potential.

'I am looking forward to improving my time tomorrow.'

Meanwhile, Jean Alesi and Nick Heidfeld were third and fourth quickest in their first outings for Prost, with Ralf Schumacher behind them, setting a fastest time of 1.29.30.

Alesi said, 'Today I had to learn at the same time to know the car, the members of the team, and to become familiar with their environment.

'I was very eager to start and at the end, everything worked out very well.

'The way the team works is perfect, we have laid the basis and now we can begin to work well together.'

Schumacher did 17 laps during the afternoon session and was pleased to be back in action.

'After a four-week break, it is good to be back in the Williams as we start to prepare for next year with our new partner, BMW,' said Schumacher.

'In the morning when I went out for the first time, I stopped after half a lap because the oil pressure warning light came on.

'In the afternoon I managed to do 17 timed laps and I am satisfied with the engine.'

The tests will continue today and tomorrow.