© Ferrari

Tuesday was the second day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari at the Catalunya Circuit, near Barcelona. Once again it was Kimi Raikkonen who was on track today.

His planned programme consisted of a comparison of various set-up options at the start of the day, followed by Grand Prix weekend simulation - both qualifying and the race. The simulation came to a premature end however because of a problem with the KERS cooling system.

Up to that point, Raikkonen had completed 55 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.20.314s, which nevertheless turned out to be the fastest lap of the day.

"We had a problem with the KERS' cooling system and we preferred to stop and not risk greater damage," Kimi said in front of the press at the circuit. "Until then everything went really well. I think that once we've resolved these small problems with the reliability, we can say that we've got a very good package available. Sure, I would have liked to make a second race simulation, after the one we've done at Bahrain in February, but it's better that some things happen during the tests and not at a GP."

There were many qeustions as far as the possible competitors of the Scuderia this year are concerned after what the journalists could see during the tests. Kimi kept his calm as usual, saying "Honestly, I've no idea who could be seen as the favourite. There was a great equilibrium until now between the teams and I think that we have to wait until Melbourne to know more. From our point of view I can say that I'm satisfied with what we've done at the test sessions during the winter. The car behaves very well and that's what's most important; we've checked that on different circuits. Sure, we did have some minor problem with the reliability, but nothing we can't resolve in the works; and then the weather sometimes didn't work out for us and we wanted to drive a couple of miles more. But it doesn't make any sense looking back. I can't wait for the races to start. You know that I like the races best in Formula 1."

It was Kimi's last day of testing before his departure for the Australian Grand Prix. Tomorrow it will be Felipe Massa, who coninues testing for the Scuderia.

Barcelona testing times 10th of March 2009: