Tonio starts Force India's 3-day Barcelona test

Barcelona, Apr 15 (UNI) After three long haul races this season, Tonio Liuzzi tested Force India's VJM01 engine at a European track since February this year on the first day of its three-day test here at Circuit de Catalunya.

Tonio, who completed his testing duties for the Force India Formula One Team here yesterday, was more keen to establish a strong baseline set-up with the 2008 aero package and tyres in the morning before moving over to compare the runs with the 2009 slicks and wings in the afternoon.

Tonio completed 91 laps in total as the car ran reliably throughout the day.

The teams were able to test the ungrooved 'slick' 2009 tyres in preparation for their re-introduction next year, but were also able to try the proposed 2009 aerodynamics package.

Tonio looked reasonably satisfied with the test on the opening day and said the car have improved a lot from the last time he drove it in February, which shows the steps forward the team has made in the first three races.

''Today was a good day of testing with quite a few kilometres and no real mechanical issues. The car was good from start to finish and responded well to the changes we made.

''In the morning we tested the 2008 configuration and then the 2009 aero package in the afternoon.

''I was pretty happy with the work we have done for both 2008 and 2009. It looks promising,'' Tonio said.

Meanwhile, Force India's number one driver Giancarlo Fisichella will take over the wheel for the second day of testing, while Adrian Sutil will also finish the test today.

UNI XC RAR DB1210