04/04/2006
NEWS STORY
Today was the first day of testing this week at Vallelunga, on the outskirts of Rome.
For Ferrari, its two official test drivers, Luca Badoer and Marc Gene were in action.
The Italian driver used a 248 F1, working on development of the V8 engine and new components, while his Spanish colleague was at the wheel of an F2004, fitted with a regulated power version of the V10 engine and began a Bridgestone tyre development programme.
The Italian outfit continues here tomorrow when Badoer will be partnered by Michael Schumacher.
Honda was also on duty, the Japanese outfit conducting the first of two tests scheduled before the next Grand Prix at Imola in two and a half weeks time.
Weather conditions are much improved since the team's last visit to Vallelunga a fortnight ago, with ambient temperatures reaching 26°C at lunchtime.
Anthony Davidson and James Rossiter began the test concentrating on tyre programmes looking at options for the forthcoming European races, alongside chassis set-up work.
Jenson Button will join the team tomorrow taking over from Rossiter.
Today's Times - All Times Unofficial
| Name | Team | T | Laps | Time | Gap |
| Davidson | Honda | M | 120 | 1:12.804 | 125.513 mph |
| Gene | Ferrari | B | 113 | 1:13.052 | 0.248 |
| Rossiter | Honda | M | 132 | 1:13.081 | 0.277 |
| Badoer | Ferrari | B | 150 | 1:13.388 | 0.584 |
Best Times To Date
| Date | Driver | Team | T | Time | Gap |
| 04-Apr | Davidson | Honda | M | 1:12.804 | 125.513 mph |
| 04-Apr | Gene | Ferrari | B | 1:13.052 | 0.248 |
| 21-Mar | Rossiter | Honda | M | 1:13.081 | 0.277 |
| 04-Apr | Badoer | Ferrari | B | 1:13.388 | 0.584 |
| 16-Feb | Trulli | Toyota | B | 1:15.900 | 3.096 |
| 16-Feb | R Schumacher | Toyota | B | 1:16.530 | 3.726 |
| 23-Mar | Barrichello | Honda | M | 1:17.092 | 4.288 |
Note: Italics denote V10