Ferrari used the final day of Formula 1 testing at Jerez yesterday to try out the 'shark fin' engine cover which has been used by the Red Bull, Renault and Force India teams this season, while Toyota and McLaren have also tried out its aerodynamic virtues during recent testing.

Ferrari used the final day of Formula 1 testing at Jerez yesterday to try out the 'shark fin' engine cover which has been used by the Red Bull, Renault and Force India teams this season, while Toyota and McLaren have also tried out its aerodynamic virtues during recent testing.

The first day of testing last week for Scuderia Ferrari, and its F1 rivals, kicked off on Tuesday at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in the extreme south of Spain. The Maranello team's official test driver Luca Badoer took to the track, working on two main areas: the morning was dedicated to comparing various different aerodynamic solutions, while in the afternoon, he ran slick tyres in preparation for the 2009 season, with the consequent modifications to the aerodynamics on the F2008, to try and replicate the levels of downforce that will be required starting next year.

In total, Badoer completed 69 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.20.697. "We completed our planned programme," commented Luca before leaving the circuit. "This morning it was important to go deeply into some technical elements to understand what happened last Sunday in Hockenheim. We picked up a lot of data, and that will continue over the next few days when we also test some solutions for the forthcoming races."

On Wednesday Kimi Raikkonen took to the track. The Finnish driver concentrated on comparisons between various different set-up options on the F2008, in preparation for the forthcoming races. Kimi covered a total of 76 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.19.446. Raikkonen continued in the cockpit for the penultimate day, Thursday, working on the same programme as the previous day. At the end of the afternoon Kimi did a run on next season's Bridgestone tyres. The reigning World Champion covered a total of 84 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.19.434. "We have done many tests over these two days to try and understand what happened at Hockenheim and now we have a clearer idea on this matter," commented Kimi at the end of the day. "Today, the car had improved compared to yesterday and we hope to be ready for the next rounds. Our opponents are very strong, but there is still a long way to go in this championship and all the time to recover, given that in Formula 1 things can change a lot in no time at all."

The fourth and final day of testing yesterday (Friday) saw Felipe Massa's turn to get behind the wheel of the F2008. The Brazilian driver worked mainly on various different set-up options on the car and on development of new solutions aimed at the Budapest and Valencia races. He also tried out the 'shark fin' engine cover. Massa covered a total of 92 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.19.611. "I am pleased with the way the day went," commented Massa, before leaving the circuit. "We saw some things which should be interesting for the up coming races and we carried out an intensive investigation on the set-up of the car. There is so much data at our disposal that will help us be as well prepared as possible for Hungary. The fight for the title is still very open and we will leave nothing to chance in pursuing our objectives."

The Scuderia will be back on track on Tuesday 29th July at Fiorano, where Luca Badoer will carry out the shakedown of the cars that will be used in the Hungarian Grand Prix.