Zoom Amid the hype, Senna finally tests an F1 car...

Honda returned to the test track today just two weeks after the 2008 season finale in Brazil as the Formula One teams travelled to the familiar testing venue of the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona to commence preparations for the 2009 season.

The three-day test will see the Honda team run two programmes. Alex Wurz and Jenson Button will focus on the development of the 2009 car whilst the team also evaluates young Brazilians Lucas Di Grassi and Bruno Senna.

Wurz kicked off the main test programme evaluating various aerodynamic components for next season and running the Bridgestone Potenza slick tyres. Button will take over the car tomorrow to complete the final two days of the test.

Di Grassi was the first of the 'young drivers' to complete his half-day familiarisation programme this morning. He went out for an initial run on grooved tyres to acclimatise to the car before the team fitted used slicks for the remainder of the session. After lunch, Senna took to the track for his first ever drive in a Formula One car. He followed the same programme as Di Grassi, starting on grooved tyres before moving to used slick tyres midway through the session.

Wurz was third fastest on the day with Senna 15th and Di Grassi 17th. Di Grassi will complete a full day of running tomorrow with Senna taking over the car on Wednesday.

Bruno Senna
“The first day of my first Formula One test has been just as big a moment as I expected it to be. I have also had a lot of fun and really enjoyed myself. This morning I focused on doing as much as I could to prepare for my turn. I listened to the team radio and watched and learned how the team works. I was feeling quite calm but on my first lap out of the garage I realised the significance of the moment."

"This is a very special opportunity and one which has been a dream my whole life. The team were great and left it to me to find my level, but by the end of my second run I was feeling very much at home in the car. There were lots of new sensations as the gearshifts, engine power and aerodynamics compared to a GP2 car were all very different. I need a few adjustments to be fully comfortable in the car for Wednesday but generally I am feeling good. Obviously my full day is when everything will count but I am very pleased with what I achieved today and the more laps I do, the quicker I’ll be hopefully. A great, great day for me and I am incredibly grateful to the Honda team for making it possible.”