McLaren 'new boy' Juan Pablo Montoya posted the best time on the first day of testing at Jerez, the last test of 2004.

After last week's rain, today conditions were almost ideal, allowing the six drivers on duty to complete a significant number of laps.

Today was the Colombian's first time at Jerez in the McLaren, and he immediately went quicker than he'd lapped the Spanish track in a WilliamsF1.

Montoya was joined by Pedro de la Rosa, both drivers at the wheel of MP4-19Bs. In the morning the McLaren duo worked on set-ups before focussing on tyre testing in the afternoon.

Second quickest was Jarno Trulli, who missed two days of testing last week due to an eye injury. The Italian was joined by Toyota teammate Ralf Schumacher.

Once again Luca Badoer and Marc Gene were in action for Ferrari, continuing with a development programme centred on Bridgestone tyres and new components. Between them the two Ferrari drivers completed 220 laps of the Spanish track.

Tomorrow, BAR, WilliamsF1, Renault and Red Bull are scheduled to take part.

Times