Some observers interpreted that as a ‘welcome back’ message for the 2007 world
champion who has returned from a two-year stint in the World Rally
Championship. Button said it was nothing of the sort.
“Maybe he was running heavy,” he said. “But fair play to Kimi [for setting the
quickest time]. We maybe haven’t seen eye to eye a lot of the time when
we’ve been racing, but he’s a very quick driver, a world champion.”
Times mean next to nothing at this time of year. Rubens Barrichello went
quickest for Williams on the opening day at this test last year. The team
went on to have the worst season in their history. Sir Frank Williams said
at the launch of the FW34 yesterday that he hoped it would mark a “truly
fresh start” for the team.
Red Bull had a frustrating morning as fog delayed the arrival of crucial parts
which were being flown in from the UK. But Mark Webber managed 55 laps in
the afternoon, going fourth quickest. Their chief technical officer, Adrian
Newey, has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Ferrari, saying
it would be akin to “walking out on your children”.
Times and laps in Jerez:
1. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1min 19.670sec 75 laps
2. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.772 101
3. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) 1:20.219 56
4. Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull-Renault) 1:20.496 54
5. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:20.694 57
6. Michael Schumacher (GER/Mercedes) 1:20.794 42
7. Kamui Kobayashi (JPN/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:21.353 106
8. Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:21.530 62
9. Felipe Massa (BRA/Ferrari) 1:22.815 69
10. Heikki Kovalainen (FIN/Caterham-Renault) 1:23.178 28
11. Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams-Renault) 1:23.371 25
12. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/HRT-Cosworth) 1:23.676 44