Testing Analysis

Bernie Ecclestone has often talked about introducing an Olympic style medal system into Formula One, where the driver with the most gold medals at the end of the season would win!
This suggestion has not paricularly impressed drivers, teams or fans, however Ecclestone still believes it is an option.

Now that all the pre-season tests have been completed, we have assessed the results and present the results below in a format that Mr Ecclestone would appreciate!

The list is headed up by Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, who was the quickest driver on four occassions.
Ferrari's Fernando Alonso falls fifth in the table, which is surprising, as he has looked comparable to the Red Bull's over the winter. However, the Spaniard has finished in the top three six times this year - more than anyone else.
Equally surprisingly, former World Champion Lewis Hamilton appears at the bottom of the list, having only been the third quickest driver on two occassions.

All three Force India drivers (Sutil, Di Resta and Hulkenberg) along with McLaren's Gary Paffett also finished in the top three earlier in the year, but have not been included as their times were set using the 2010 cars.

How much will the race results reflect the testing results? Just two weeks until we can find out!

Pedro de la Rosa Returns 'Home'

McLaren have confirmed that Pedro de la Rosa is to return to the team as a test driver for the 2011 season.

Pedro last tested for the team in 2009, before switching to a Sauber race seat for the first half of 2010. He lost his Sauber drive before the completion of the season, but signed for Pirelli as test driver.

The Spaniard said of the move "Of all the teams I've driven for in Formula 1, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is the one that really feels like home. So I'm very excited about returning to the team to help push the development of the MP4-26."

McLaren will also maintain existing test driver Gary Paffett, but he will be splitting his duties between Formula One testing, and competing in the DTM Championship for Mercedes-Benz.

For more, visit Pedro's official site www.pedrodelarosa.com