Doornbos enjoys first Red Bull outing

Doornbos filled the test and reserve role for Jordan this year before moving to Minardi as a race driver for the last eight Grands Prix of the season.

He was confirmed as Red Bull Racing's test and reserve driver for next season, and he immediately got to work, testing at the Spanish circuit.

"Testing for Red Bull Racing is definitely the best thing I could possible wish for, and therefore I'm happy to be part of the 'Red Bull family' now," Doornbos said.

"I hope everyone in The Netherlands are just as excited as I am."

At Barcelona, the Dutchman tested last season's car with a restricted V10 engine and he said the difference in power was significant.

"You feel the differences right away," he said. "Some of the corners where I had to lift last year, could now easily be done flat out. As the engine requires a different driving style, I concentrated myself on this subject in the morning session. After a while things started to get more automatically though."

Doornbos, nonetheless, was pleased with Red Bull's RB1 car.

"The car feels really good. It handles smooth and easy, so that's nice," he added. "Next to that I was impressed by the software. My first acquaintance with Michelin also just worked out very well."