The brand-new Ferrari F10 turned its wheel for the first time yesterday and by the end of the opening day's action of F1 testing in Valencia Felipe Massa (top & bottom), who was fresh from trying the 599 XX (middle) on the track the day before, was the fastest driver.

The brand-new Ferrari F10 turned its wheel for the first time yesterday and by the end of the opening day of testing in Valencia Felipe Massa was the fastest driver on the Cheste circuit, just outside Valencia. The Brazilian drove the fastest lap in the last minutes of the session, while he had been leading the time sheet with his lap times before.

The 1:12.574 taken by Massa for his fastest lap today can’t be judged in absolute terms regarding the competitors, because this year, understanding the fuel loads in the cars, is more difficult than ever. Although it has to be said that this result is a good prelude for the F10 on the day of its debut. Massa ran 102 laps during the day. Second-quickest was Pedro de la Rosa in the new Ferrari-powered BMW Sauber C29 in 1:12.784 (74 laps) while third quickest went to Michael Schumacher (1:12.947, 40 laps) at the wheel of the new Mercedes GP.

"I’m happy about how it went,” Felipe said at the end of the test session. “We worked very well and drove many kilometres without any problems. The first impression of the car is really positive: it is easier to drive compared to the F60, we can work better on the set up and last but not least there’s much more grip, which makes it much more pleasant to drive. Naturally it’s still very early, but it’s a good start. The fastest lap? That doesn’t mean anything, but it’s always good being in the lead! I’m also satisfied with myself. It’s great being back on the track, together with all the others and to see that nothing has changed. I drove over 100 laps and I could have done another 100 from the physical and mental point of view.”

Obviously the first meeting between a driver, who has always been part of the Ferrari family and one who has taken a different road, attracted lots of interest. “I haven’t spoken to Michael yet, but we said hello when I passed him towards the end of the day. It’s very good for Formula 1 that he’s back. It’s strange seeing him with a red helmet in a grey car."

Two where today’s main technical issues: the new tyres and the cars’ behaviour with lots of petrol on board. Felipe said: "I tried the soft compound a lot today and I really liked it, but it’s really too early to draw a conclusion: we have to wait and see how it works with higher temperatures to see the wear. We also drove with different fuel loads and the car was very balanced under all conditions; that’s encouraging!" Massa will be back on track today.

The previous day, Sunday, had in fact seen Massa as the main protagonist on the last day of the Ferrari 599XXs activities with its debut on the track. The Brazilian driver met the clients, who, by purchasing the non-homologated sports Berlinetta, planned exclusively to use on the track, participate in the exclusive programme bearing the same name. After several laps on board of the car Massa said: “I really enjoyed testing this car, I think it’s extremely powerful and has an exceptional stability. Considering that it has been planned for the track it’s really easy to drive.” The clients showed great enthusiasm for the Ferrarista sharing the debut of this exceptional car: they now have a series of events ahead of them that Ferrari will organise on race tracks in America, Europe and Asia, including the Finali Mondiali. Just like in Valencia on these occasions the cars will be taken care of by the team of official technicians, able to guarantee the necessary support and assistance.

Test Details, 01/02/2010: Circuit: Ricardo Tormo, Cheste – 4.005 km; Driver: Felipe Massa; Car: Ferrari F10; Weather: air temperature 10/15 °C, track temperature 11/20 °C. Sunny.