Williams, Spyker begin Barcelona test

Both squads are testing at the Spanish track after deciding to skip the Bahrain test, where the rest of the teams are testing.

German Nico Rosberg posted the fastest time of the day with the Williams FW29, finishing well ahead of teammate Alexander Wurz.

"Nico tested the Melbourne aero upgrade today and then spent the rest of the session carrying out long runs," explained test team manager Dickie Stanford. "He completed a full race distance, together with pitstops and refuelling.

"Alex, meanwhile, worked on mapping and set-up tests."

Spyker, meanwhile, had four drivers on track. Christijan Albers led teammate Adrian Sutil and test drivers Fairuz Fauzy and Giedo van der Garde, the Dutchman managing only four laps.

"A very useful first day of testing, continuing on from the work we did in Valencia," said technical chief Mike Gascoyne. "In the morning Christijan and Adrian completed their alloted programme of set-up work and performance evaluation.

"Both were pleased with the balance and grip of the car, which was noticeably better this time out in Barcelona.

"Giedo van der Garde and Fairuz Fauzy took over in the afternoon and while Fairuz did a full race simulation without problems, Giedo's mileage was limited following a precautionary engine change early on.

"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the mechanics, he could only complete installation checks. Tomorrow Christijan and Adrian will do a full day's testing, running through a continuation of today's programme."

Today's times:

Pos  Driver         Team                      Time     Laps
 1.  Rosberg        Williams-Toyota      (B)  1:21.624  105
 2.  Wurz           Williams-Toyota      (B)  1:22.492   81
 3.  Albers         Spyker-Ferrari       (B)  1:23.096   67
 4.  Sutil          Spyker-Ferrari       (B)  1:23.183   49
 5.  Fauzy          Spyker-Ferrari       (B)  1:24.358   86
 6.  van der Garde  Spyker-Ferrari       (B)  1:33.864    4

All Timing Unofficial