According to Toro Rosso’s Chief Engineer Laurent Mekies, being at the Catalunya circuit in Barcelona for the first test since the testing ban came to an end was just like the first days back at school. We don’t know what sort of school he went to, but it must have been very smart if he used to play with very expensive race cars in Spain!

As was the case for all teams taking part, tyres, specifically the Bridgestone Potenza tyres were the main focus, as Bridgestone will be the sole tyre supplier for the 2007 Formula 1 season.

“Our aim was to understand all the implications of switching to a new tyre supplier,” Mekies said. “Bridgestone seems to be making a big effort despite the lack of competition. We carried out some fairly basic tests as it was our first run on these tyres and let’s say there were no bad surprises. It was vital to try and separate the results of car performance and tyre performance, in order to understand what data will still be relevant when we run with next year’s car. The drivers also had to adapt their driving styles to suit the new rubber.”

Next week, Scuderia Toro Rosso continues tyre testing at the Jerez circuit, this time with both drivers, but just one car, when Bridgestone will have a softer compound on hand for evaluation.