Wurz Leads the Way at Valencia - Day One

McLaren's Alexander Wurz went quickest on this week's opening day of testing at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia.

The Austrian test driver, at the wheel of the MP4-19B car, was the only man capable of lapping the Spanish circuit in less than 70 seconds, posting a quickest time of 1:09.386 after 90 laps.

McLaren were also in action with Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, who tested the new MP4-20.

De la Rosa had a poor session and could only complete 21 laps after his car stopped on track twice due to apparent mechanical problems. He finished the day slowest, over two seconds behind teammate Wurz.

Australian Mark Webber was second fastest ahead of his teammate Nick Heidfeld, as both men began to work on the development of the FW27 car unveiled yesterday. Both had a productive session and completed 82 and 89 laps respectively.

Toyota drivers Ralf Schumacher and Olivier Panis were fourth and fifth fastest in the Japanese squad's TF105, the Frenchman being the busiest man on track with 102 laps.

Testing continues tomorrow, with Ferrari, BAR and Renault joining the session.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:09.386 90 2. Webber Williams-BMW (M) 1:10.538 82 3. Heidfeld Williams-BMW (M) 1:10.903 89 4. R.Schumacher Toyota (M) 1:10.937 60 5. Panis Toyota (M) 1:11.061 102 6. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.729 21 All Timing Unofficial

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