Zoom Gearbox testing for Badoer and Ferrari

Barely two weeks after the end of the 2008 championship, testing for next season is already underway, with three days of running at the Catalunya Circuit, near Barcelona.

For Ferrari, its two official test drivers, Luca Badoer and Marc Gene were on track today, both men at the wheel of an F2008 modified to give similar levels of aerodynamic downforce to that predicted to accommodate next year’s technical regulations.

Both drivers worked on different programmes. Badoer began a lengthy engine and gearbox reliability programme that took up the entire day, while also trying a few new components. The Italian ended the day with a best time of 1:22.038s, sixth fastest. Gene, who only had limited mileage available, concentrated on set-up work and was 14th fastest of the 17 runners.

Testing continues here tomorrow, again with the two test drivers on track.

E.A. © CAPSIS International