Turkish GP winner Ferrari driver Felipe Massa topped the times at the first day of this weeks Monza test at the Monza circuit when he kicked off Ferrari’s scheduled session alongside the teams official test driver Luca Badoer, who finished second overall. The team’s technical program featured tyre and set-up tests, as well as initiating engine endurance testing on both cars, fitted with an aerodynamic package specifically suited to the demands of this track.

Third up for the day was Mark Webber who was also evaluating Bridgestone tyres and assess a new aero package on the FW28 and while he completed a total of 88 laps, the Aussie racer did have a minor moment, he finished the day just over a tenth behind Badoer. Test driver Alex Wurz was eleventh, the Austrian on the same program as Webber and tomorrow he will hand the car over to Nico Rosberg to continue the session.

Giancarlo Fisichella's two-day programme began with set-up work this morning to adapt the car to the circuit, and he then started work on a tyre program. A mechanical problem curtailed the Roman's running after 91 laps, but this morning's running already demonstrated an encouraging level of performance when he registered the fourth best time overall. The problem will be fixed overnight, and Fisi will continue his testing tomorrow.

Across the garage, test driver Heikki Kovalainen concentrated on tyre testing with Michelin. He is working on the tyre choice for next week's race, and the two French manufacturers are working hard to find the best solution in terms of one-lap performance and endurance. By the end of the day, the young Finn had completed his programme after a total of 100 laps, which left him in sixth position with a time of 1'23.242. Heikki Kovalainen will continue his test programme on Thursday.

"This first day has been really encouraging although we had small problems that have been fixed for our second day of testing,” said Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer. “The track was really green today but the drivers were immediately satisfied with the balance of the car and we already made good progress on both cars. It will probably be a tough race here next week but our first day of testing has been encouraging and we know that the track will develop a lot before next week end, therefore it's a good basis for the rest of our program. "

Anthony Davidson was left sandwiched in between the two Renault’s in fifth place while fellow tester James Rossiter was ninth. Meanwhile, Jarno Trulli finished the day seventh, with test driver Panis in tenth.

"Today the car was working quite well. We have a new aero package for Monza, which felt really good,” said Panis. “We had planned to do a lot of long runs to test some tyres for the coming races, but due to a small mechanical problem we only managed to test one set of soft tyres at the end of the day. It was a shame because I truly believe that we have a car to go fast here and you notice that the team has worked hard for this. Overall, I think the team has found a good package for the race here and we will have to see next week how things go."

Over at BMW, Sebastian Vettel set the eighth best time, the young German completing some long runs in order to get used to driving in low downforce configuration. After that he started with set-up work, and he did a small tyre programme in the afternoon. Meanwhile, regular driver Nick Heidfeld, who finished twelfth overall, started with set-up work in the morning followed by some aerodynamic evaluations. In addition, the team worked on engine development. Nick then completed a tyre test for Michelin. The two drivers ran different programmes in the afternoon.

Super Aguri joined the session to commence its final preparations for the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix and there was a familiar face in the garage, that of former racer Yuji Ide, however he didn’t actually complete any timed laps. Regular driver Sakon Yamamoto will continue the driving duties tomorrow morning, whilst Takuma Sato will conclude the team’s running on Thursday afternoon and on Friday.

“Our preparation for this test was hampered by a number of issues today, however we managed to install the car in preparation for our full program tomorrow,” said Mark Preston, technical director. “Although we are a day behind the other teams who are participating in this test, we are confident that we shall be able to complete our planned program for the Monza race. Sakon will continue to drive the SA06 tomorrow morning with Takuma Sato joining us in the afternoon.”