In stark contrast to last weekend at the Nurburgring, the first day of this test in southern Spain saw temperatures soar to the “Scorchio” setting on the thermometer. For day one of their scheduled test, the Red Bull Racing team opted to give one of the Red Bull Junior drivers a run here and so Switzerland’s Sebastien Buemi was behind the wheel of an RB3, with a view to completing sufficient mileage to qualify for his Superlicense.

Once he had gone through the usual procedure of getting comfortable in the cockpit, the day’s programme for the current ART GP2 driver concentrated on aero testing and set-up work.

“I have driven the F1 car before, but only in a straight line, so this was the first time I have experienced corners as well,” said eighteen year old Buemi. “The power out of the turns feels good but the most impressive elements of the package are the way the car goes through the quick corners, which is so much better than anything else I’ve experienced. I also enjoyed the speed with which the car can change direction and the power of the brakes. Towards the end of the day, my neck was beginning to get a bit sore, which I guess is normal, but I’m sure it will be fine by Thursday when I hope to have another run in the car.”

Regular driver Mark Webber will take over testing duties on Wednesday.