Heidfeld Quickest On Day 1

The final test of the season is packed with different opportunities and emotions as drivers headed out strapped in tightly for the a final taste of '07.

German Nick Heidfeld drove his BMW fastest in testing at Jerez today after his first taste of slick tires. Bridgestone provided slicks to all the teams for use at this final test. The Japanese rubber manufacture is collecting data in preparation for the proposed switch back to slicks in 2009. Currently the teams all use groved Bridgestone Potenzas and will continue through at least next season.

Behind Heidfeld, who set his time on slicks, was Honda star Jenson Button. The Briton, also on slicks, put his Honda ahead of both McLarens and both Ferraris. He enjoyed the outing as testing day of pure fun.

Day one was also a tryout day of sorts for the newly titled Force India F1 team. Adrian Sutil has been retained from the 2007 season but the seat next to him will host tryouts all week. Today saw Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, an expereinced veteran, push the back marker team to 14th overall. Other vets Ralf Schumacher, Vitantonio Liuzi and Frank Montagny all will have a drive this week in an attempt to save their careers as F1 racing drivers.

Throughout the week many youngsters will have their first tast of Formula 1 equipment. GP2 series champ Timo Glock began testing for his new team Toyota today and will continue this week, though he has had experience as a tester from last season. A1GP champion Nico Hulkenberg gets a test for Williams. Mike Conway, Javier Villa, Andres Zuber, and Marko Asmer will all be on hand this week for various tests for different teams all in hopes of securing a test driver roll or the sights of an F1 team.