F1 teams move to Paul Ricard for testing
In sunny weather, the teams began running on the short '2D-SC' configuration of the so-called High Tech Test Track to simulate the tight curves of the forthcoming Monaco grand prix.
On Friday, the circuit will switch to a lower downforce layout for Montreal preparations.
On day one, most teams are trialing visibly new bodywork pieces, most notably the Williams and Honda teams.
Williams' FW30 features a variety of the Red Bull and Renault-style engine cover fin, while Honda is experimenting with a couple of new versions of its novel nose horn winglets.
Sebastian Vettel, meanwhile, is at the wheel of Toro Rosso's new STR3 chassis, which will make its race debut at Monaco next week.
Also of note, test drivers Vitantonio Liuzzi and Lucas di Grassi are in action for Force India and Renault respectively, while Alex Wurz returned to work for Honda following his race outing with Peugeot's Le Mans effort at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend.
05/14/08 F1 Testing gets underway this morning in southern France ahead of the forthcoming Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix. Now a staple on the F1 testing calendar, the sport's ten teams will spend three days at the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track to evaluate components and set-up for two of the year's most challenging circuits at only the second in-season test session so far. With just one car allowed to run per team when testing during the season, everyone will be keen to make the most of their time on-track to get a head-start on the competition into the next two races.
The Paul Ricard HTTT is selected due to its flexible layout, with 180 solutions allowing the teams to simulate the tight and twisty Monte Carlo street circuit one day before trying out a Montreal-esque track the next. This week will see teams test for two days, Wednesday and Thursday, simulating Monte Carlo, before spending Friday preparing for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Weather-wise three-day test is likely to enjoy reasonably favorable conditions, with heavy cloud unlikely to bring any rain. Temperatures will remain in the high teens or low twenties for the three days, similar to what will be expected in Monte Carlo in just over a week's time.