Gene fastest in first winter testing

Marc Gene was the fastest man at Barcelona when winter testing began for Formula One today.

In the first test sessions since the final race of last season in Brazil in October, Ferrari newcomer Gene set the pace.

The Spaniard only signed for Ferrari yesterday after a four-year spell at Williams but he settled in quickly to record the fastest time of the day.

Mark Webber was also settling in to a new team but he had little track time on his Williams debut, clocking just four laps.

Just four cars took to the track today, with Toyota’s Jarno Trulli and Ferrari’s Luca Badoer the other drivers in action.

Red Bull Racing are now expected to make their debut tomorrow, with Bjorn Wirdheim, Christian Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi all in Spain for the maiden test.