Alonso and Button prove closely matched

Testing continued today in Valencia with 16 racers able to take advantage of rare dry conditions at the Spanish test circuit. It was close at the top of the timesheets with Fernando Alonso leading the way for Renault by just three thousandths of a second from Jenson Button in the Honda.

Valencia: A much better day for Rossi

Valentino Rossi impressed in his first full Formula One test on Wednesday at Valencia.
The MotoGP World Champion, who had only tested behind closed doors for Ferrari prior to this week's Spanish outing, put Tuesday's spin behind him with a solid display.
Rossi span on his first lap at a wet Valencia on Day One but improved on Wednesday to complete 52 laps.
And despite spinning twice he still managed a time just over a second slower than lead Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher.

2006 Teams

Renault: - F Alonso, G Fisichella
McLaren: - K Räikkönen, J Montoya
Ferrari: - M Schumacher, F Massa
Toyota: - R Schumacher, J Trulli
Williams: - M Webber, N Rosberg
Honda: - R Barrichello, J Button
Red Bull: - D Coulthard, C Klien
BMW Sauber: - N Heidfeld, J Villeneuve
MF1: - T Monteiro, C Albers
Toro Rosso: - V Liuzzi, S Speed
Super Aguri: - n/a, n/a

Alonso aims to leave Renault on a high

Fernando Alonso intends to conjure up another World Championship double as his parting gift to Renault.
The Spaniard, the youngest World Champion in Formula One history, shocked the sport in December when he announced his defection to McLaren for 2007.
That left him facing awkward questions as Renault launched their 2006 car in Monte Carlo, but Alonso brushed aside fears he could be distracted by McLaren.

Montoya on hunt for new team

Juan Pablo Montoya says McLaren has not yet decided whether he or teammate Kimi Raikkonen will get the boot for 2007.
The feisty Colombian, reportedly disillusioned that Ron Dennis did not take up an option on his contract to extend beyond this year, admitted that he is thus looking for a new seat.

Bridgestone team up with Super Aguri

Bridgestone have announced that F1's newest team, the Super Aguri , will use Japanese rubber when it makes its debut in Bahrain.

Kimi warns Mercedes to up their game

Kimi Raikkonen has warned Mercedes to up their game after a worrying start to testing for the new McLaren.
The McLaren's Mercedes engine has suffered reliability woes since it made its debut last week and Raikkonen confessed he is concerned by the problems.
The Finn missed out on the world championship last season, largely due to a string of engine problems, and he is concerned history could repeat itself this term.