The Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer set a top lap of 1:22.412 which was just 27-100ths of a second quicker than Robert Kubica in the BMW-Sauber, which suffered a minor problem in the morning. It was the Polish driver’s first turn behind the wheel since winning his first F1 race last weekend in Canada.
David Coulthard was third fastest in the Red Bull machine, reprising his result from Montreal last weekend. The Scotsman was limited to just 21 laps due to the rain late in the day after taking over from test driver Sebastien Buemi, who finished with the fourth fastest time.
Anthony Davidson, back behind the wheel of an F1 car for the first time since the Spanish Grand Prix at the end of April after losing his seat following the demise of Super Aguri, was sixth for Honda.
Williams’ Nico Hulkenberg, who completed 112 laps, Romain Grosjean, on his testing debut for Renault, and Tamui Kobayashi in his Toyota were seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively.
Force India and Toro Rosso were absent on a day brought to a close an hour early due to heavy rain.
“It was a great day and I’m grateful for this opportunity to test the R28 and work with the team,” explained the young Frenchman. “It was interesting to see the difference between a GP2 car and an F1 car which is quite incredible, especially the acceleration and the lateral grip. The team made me feel very welcome and everyone was helpful as they knew it was my first time in the car. It was a great experience for me.”
Completing Thursday’s line-up was Toyota’s third driver, Kamui Kobayashi, in ninth. Kobayashi, who last tested for the Japanese team back in February, took full advantage of his time in the TF108, covering 82 laps and working through an aerodynamic and mechanical programme.
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