Zoom The Brawn surprise strikes again

The final test session ahead of the 2009 season began today at the Circuito de Jerez, with two weeks to go before the Australian Grand Prix. Warm and sunny weather greeted the few teams present at the Spanish venue.

Continuing a trend that impressed many last week in Barcelona, the Brawn GP team's BGP 001 was again the fastest car on the track. With Rubens Barrichello at the wheel, 102 laps were completed as the Brazilian set the pace for the better part of the day. The session's fastest lap was his, at 1:19.236.

Fernando Alonso's day did not go as well: the Spaniard crashed his R29 very early on, requiring repairs which took several hours to complete. The double World Champion did however have enough time to complete 40 runs and sign the day's second-best lap.

Nico Hulkenberg was on hand for the Williams team; the German counted 69 laps and was third-quickest. All three drivers at Jerez set times within the same second.

McLaren was scheduled to begin its final test programme today as well but decided otherwise. The team maintains its four-day schedule but will begin tomorrow instead.

Jerez - 15/03/2009
1 . R. Barrichello - Brawn GP Mercedes BGP001 - 1:19.236 (+ 0.000) - 107 laps
2 . F. Alonso - Renault R29 - 119.819 (+ 0.583) - 40 laps
3 . N. Hulkenberg - Williams Toyota FW31 - 1:20.015 (+ 0.196) - 69 laps

*Times provided by Renault

Daniel BASTIEN
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