Zoom Better pace from McLaren on the penultimate day of running

With Brawn Mercedes and Renault concluding their pre-season test programme yesterday, McLaren Mercedes and Williams Toyota had sunny Jerez all to themselves today.

Heikki Kovalainen today took over testing duties from McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton, recording a best lap of 1:18.202s, six-tenths off Jenson Button's pace in the Brawn Mercedes yesterday.

The team continued its week-long programme of introducing and evaluating new aerodynamics modifications for MP4-24 and declared itself satisfied with the results following a race simulation.

Nico Rosberg today handed over the Williams, now featuring a rear diffuser shroud when in the pitlane, to team-mate Kazuki Nakajima. The Japanese racer completed 103 laps of the Spanish test venue and was 1.8s off the pace of Kovalainen.

“Kazuki spent our penultimate day in Jerez working on mechanical set-up and signing off final components for the first race in Melbourne," said Technical Director Sam Michael. "He'll be in the car again tomorrow for the final day of winter testing.”

Both teams continue to test on Thursday, the final day of running ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

Jerez - 18/03/2009
1 . H. Kovalainen - McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 - 1:18.202 (+ 0.000 ) - 85 laps
2 . K. Nakajima - Williams Toyota FW31 - 1:20.023 (+ 1.821 ) - 103 laps.

Times courtesy of Jerez

Earl ALEXANDER
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