Another unusually wet day at Valencia failed to curb Fernando Alonso’s spot at the top of the winter time sheet.
For the second day in succession at the wheel of his new McLaren, the world champion on Wednesday drove through the spray to fend off the challenges of the 2007-spec machines fielded by main rivals Renault and Ferrari.
Rain had soaked the circuit overnight, and – once dry – the cloudy skies then re-opened at 3.30pm.
The inclement conditions have moved many outfits – including Renault, BMW, McLaren and Ferrari – to extend the now four-day test until Friday.
Enduring mechanical trouble on Thursday were Giancarlo Fisichella, Felipe Massa and Robert Kubica, whose ‘F1.07’ leaked hydraulic fluid and caught fire.
Super Aguri ‘Friday’ driver Giedo van der Garde, meanwhile, had his quest for an FIA Super License marred by a fault aboard his 2006 car.
A statement read: “It is hoped that there will be enough circuit time available tomorrow to facilitate qualifying for his (license).”
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
