GP2 Series leader, and BMW reserve driver, Timo Glock, topped the timesheets on the first day of testing at Jerez. The test is particularly significant as it is the last chance the teams have to finalise car development before the season-closing races in Japan, China and Brazil.

The German driver completed 71 laps, posting a best time of 1:20.606, as the German team tested development parts for 2008, and also worked on the aerodynamic and general set-up of the car.

Second quickest was Toro Rosso's Tonio Liuzzi, other than Rubens Barrichello, the only F1 race driver on duty today. According to the Italian outfit the day went well, with plenty of work completed, even though conditions were windy in the afternoon.

The main item on the agenda was investigating new set-up methods, mainly of a mechanical nature. In addition, the team evaluated braking material, with promising results, so that it might be used in the Chinese Grand Prix. All the work was carried out on medium compound Bridgestone Potenza tyre.

Liuzzi continues in the cockpit tomorrow morning and after lunch, Sebastian Vettel takes over for the remaining day and a half.

Sebastian Buemi was on duty for Red Bull. In the morning, the Swiss driver concentrated on familiarizing himself with the RB3. In addition, some work relative to the 2008 season was also undertaken. Unfortunately, after the lunch break, a transmission problem brought the day to a premature close.

Mark Webber will take over in the cockpit for the remaining two days of the test.

Toyota started its programme with Franck Montagny. The test is particularly significant as it is the last chance the team has to finalise car development before the season-closing races in Japan, China and Brazil. The next race is the team's home race, at the revamped Fuji Speedway, which has not hosted a Grand Prix since 1977, so much of today's testing work focused on aerodynamic and mechanical set-up work to prepare for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The team has a new aerodynamic package for Fuji Speedway and consequently Montagny worked on refining that today. Ralf Schumacher takes over from the Frenchman tomorrow for day two, while Jarno Trulli will conclude the test on Thursday.

"It was quite a good day," said Montagny. "We got through a lot of work, most of it in race specification, and it was interesting. I had a few problems with oversteer in the morning, which was wearing the rear tyres, but part of that was down to track conditions. The situation improved in the afternoon when we changed the set-up and worked on the front and rear wings and the floor - basically the latest aero package for Fuji. By the end of the day I think we had quite a good understanding of things. Personally, it was the first time I had been in the car for about a month and a half, so I enjoyed the day."

"Everything we had on our schedule got done, which is always satisfying," said test team manager, Gerd Pfeiffer. "We have established a good baseline and will continue to concentrate on aerodynamic and set-up work with the race drivers on Wednesday and Thursday. We can be quite happy with our opening day."

Fifth on the timesheets was McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa as the Woking team prepares to make up for its defeat at Spa. The Woking team's programme for the day focused on 2008 preparations without driver aids. Tomorrow the focus will be on set-up work for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Like many of the other teams Renault will spent much of the next couple of days preparing for the final three races of the year, however, a substantial part of the work will also be relevant to 2008.

Nelson Piquet began the day's work at 09:00 sharp, completing a busy morning. The focus for the day was primarily on 2008 software systems, and the Brazilian ran throughout without driver aids. He also completed brake and aerodynamic testing, focusing particularly on the forthcoming Chinese Grand Prix.

His running was limited by a mechanical problem during the afternoon, but he nevertheless collected useful data, which will be built upon during the coming two days. The Brazilian He will be driving at all three days of this test.

"I was really looking forward to driving today" said Piquet, "especially because I will be in the car every day this week, which is the first time I have had this opportunity since I joined the team. I felt comfortable with the car straight away, and the pace was OK. I will be aiming to bring the maximum to the team tomorrow as well, to ensure we have done the best possible preparation for the final three races of the year."

"We made good progress this morning," added Christian Silk, "Nelson got to grips with things quickly and we achieved our targets. The problem this afternoon was a little disappointing, but we had a productive first day even so. There are two days left, and lots to do. We will be looking to achieve as much mileage as possible before the end of the week."

Kazuki Nakajima was on duty for Williams, running the Grove outfit's Fuji upgrade package.