Red Bull Racing's Ferrari-powered RB2 turned a wheel for the first time today, when it completed day one of a two-day test at Silverstone.

Driven by David Coulthard, the new car completed a limited number of laps of the 5.141km track, as the team carried out a series of system checks on its new package ahead of its official launch in March 2006.

Although today's test was not the first for the Ferrari V8 engine, which has already completed a number of circuit kilometres, it was first for the Red Bull Racing / Ferrari combination.

David said, "Testing the new car today was momentous, as it represents something completely new for the team. The engine was delivered from Italy, but then everything has been built around it, and this was the moment when all the newly created parts came together. The lines of the new car look as though they've been inspired by the Formula Unas, it's a very sexy looking thing!

"In terms of driving experience, the car performed as expected on track and I'm looking forward to putting it through its paces tomorrow and throughout next year to see what it can do. As soon as you drive a new car you have a new toy to play with, so the old one quickly becomes very uninteresting!

"Testing a new car can be frustrating at times, as you're finding out if the new designs are able to withstand intense vibrations and heat. However, when everything works well, it's incredibly rewarding so it will be good to get back in the car tomorrow. It must be a very proud moment for everyone in the team, as they've each played a part in creating something new here."

David will be at the wheel again tomorrow (Friday) for the second day of the test. The Red Bull Racing and Ferrari technicians worked closely together throughout the day, demonstrating the positive relationship that has developed between the two marques over the last few months.

Technical details of the car are due to be released at the car's official launch on 9 March 2006 in Bahrain.

To check out our RBR2 debut gallery, click here