The final testing session before the 2010 Formula 1 season gets underway in Bahrain next month started in Montmelò just outside of Barcelona on Thursday and just like during the last four days in Jerez, eleven cars from the thirteen teams officially enrolled in the series, were on the Circuit de Catalunya with Campos-Meta and USF1 missing.

Fernando Alonso started Ferrari’s work program, the Spanish driver having a slightly agitated morning when a problem with the car’s electronics forced him to stop on track during the first run, therefore missing several hours of work.

After he rejoined the action just before lunch, which is compulsory from 1 to 2pm, Fernando drove all afternoon, concentrating on the first evaluation of some new aerodynamic solutions such a long fin on the bonnet, similar to the one used on the F2008 two years ago. At the end of the day Fernando had driven 74 laps, the fastest in a time of 1.24.170.

"It wasn’t a perfect day, but it was very helpful nevertheless," Fernando told the team’s official website at the end of the day. "We had several new things in the car and we collected some data to see how they work. Now we’ve got to understand how to exploit them. The track wasn’t great today. A little dirty and wind. It’s always interesting to drive on a circuit, where you’ll also have a Grand Prix, because you start seeing some aspects you’ll have to deal with later on. All in all I’d say it was a good day.”