Kobayashi tops time sheet on second day of Jerez test

On an improved weather-wise Circuito de Jerez, BMW Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi led all as the fastest driver on the times sheet with his best lap of 1:19.950 over 103 laps. The Japanese was one of the drivers who completed in excess of 100 laps and set the quickest lap time of the day on his final run.

BMW Sauber recorded good mileage and made full use of the dry tyres saved from the first day. The technical program was focussed on set-up work and continued assessment of the narrower front tyres.

Current F1 Champion Jenson Button was at the helm at McLaren where the team began the day with a continuation of the aero mapping from first day's session. After a successful number of aero runs, the day’s running centred on finding suitable mechanical and aero set-ups with the MP4-25. In addtion, the program also focused on longer running, evaluating tyres on a number of varying fuel-loads.

At the conclusion of his test, Button declared himself much happier with the seat and installation and was happy with the progress the team is making with the new car. Team mate Lewis Hamilton will take over test duties today and the final day on Saturday.

At the Ferrari camp, Fernando Alonso carried out work on the overall development of the F10, its performance over a long run and on a comparison between different types of set-up. The Spaniard covered a total of 129 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.21.424. Testing continues at this circuit today, when
Felipe Massa will be on track for Ferrari.

Michael Schumacher assumed the MGP-W01 for the second day of testing. Schumacher spent the day evaluating the different tyre compounds alongside some chassis set-up work, before working through a race simulation program later in the session. The 7-time F1 champ completed 124 laps with the sixth fastest time. Team mate Nico Rosberg will resume his test role for the final two days.

Red Bull Racing saw its first real chance to test the RB6 on a dry second day of testing. With Mark Webber at the wheel, they began its working though their large development program and concentrated on set-up work, clocking up 100 laps.

After his second day of testing the RB6 (and his last at this first Jerez test), Webber commented: "It’s been a very productive two days. We’ve had a few little niggles here and there with reliability, but despite that we’ve managed to complete quite a few laps with the new car. We’ve had one wet and one dry day and learned a lot on both."

The team will continue testing today with Sebastian Vettel's helming the RB6, for the first time.

Sebastien Buemi completed a good number of laps for Toro Rosso on the second day's agenda. He captilized on his session to record second fastest on the times sheet with a 1:20.026. His focus for the day was an evaluation of a few aero parts, an assessment of different mechanical set-ups and runs with different fuel loads. He also tried all three tyre compounds brought here - the
Soft, Medium and Hard. Team mate Jaime Alguersuari will take over at the
wheel today.

Tonio Liuzzi was also on course to complete Force India's first test session at Jerez. Liuzzi put the VJM03 through its paces on its second test day, completing 80 laps with a best time of 1:20.754. The day's program concentrated on aero development and comparison runs of the new tyre compounds. Adrian Sutil takes over testing for the team today.

Virgin Racing completed their very first test flight with pilot Timo Glock at the wheel. On the first day, the team had limited runs to ensure that the car was ready for full day tests on the next three days, Lucas di Grassi will take over the reins of the VR-01 from Glock today for his first shot at the test program.

Times sheet

1 K Kobayashi BMW Sauber 1:19.950, 103 laps

2 S Buemi Toro Rosso 1:20.026, 121 laps

3 J Button McLaren 1:20.618, 83 laps

4 N Hulkenberg AT&T Williams 1:20.629, 67 laps

5 V Liuzzi Force India 1:20.754, 80 laps

6 M Schumacher Mercedes GP 1:21.083 ,124 laps

7 F Alonso Ferrari 1:21.424, 129 laps

8 R Kubica Renault 1:22.033, 103 laps

9 M Webber Red Bull Racing 1:22.043, 99 laps

10 T Glock Virgin 1:29.964, 11 laps