Formula1 Journal

The end of the Jerez test on Saturday marks the mid-way point of the 2010 pre-season testing schedule. So far 10 of the 13 teams have taken part, and although the times at this point do not reflect the true pace of the cars, just what can we take from testing so far?

The leading bunch so far appears to be the usual suspects in Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull. Three of these four teams have won the championship 10 times in the last 12 seasons, and look like they will be fighting for the title once again this season. Ferrari especially look to have a good package at this stage of testing. They have been both fast and reliable, clocking up over 800 laps in the 6 days of testing so far (353 in Valencia and 449 in Jerez). On top of this, Alonso appears to have settled well into the team, and along with Massa seems to be getting on top of the 2010 Ferrari. McLaren looked to be initially struggling in Valencia, but towards the end of that test, and throughout the full week in Jerez, they now appear to have got on top of their car problems. This belief was further embedded when Lewis Hamilton went fastest of all over the 4-day Jerez test.